KNUFFLE BUNNY A CAUTIONARY TALE by Mo Willems Book Review

Bibliography

Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0439802490

Plot Summary

Join Dad and Trixie in this delightful story on an adventurous day to the laundromat. Trixie takes her favorite stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, with her. After leaving the laundromat, Trixie discovers that Knuffle Bunny has been forgotten at the laudrymat.  Trixie, becomes dramatic and frustrated trying to tell her father about Knuffle Bunny. Dad becomes irratible because he can not understand why his sweet daughter has become so fussy on their walk through the park. As soon as Dad and Trixie get home, Mom notices that Knuffle Bunny’s disapearancce is the problem. Trixie, Mom, and Dad go back to discover that the bunny ended up in the washer.  Once Dad retrieves the bunny, Trixie is so happy that she blurts out her first words, Knuffle Bunny!

Critical Analysis

Mo Willems is magnificent as he depicts emotions felt by Trixie, the dramatic frustrated toddler, the trying his best Dad, and Mom who knows exactly what her darling Trixie needs. Readers young to old relate to the cartoon emotion filled drawings. Even a jagged, lightning bolt border on a page shows the climax of feeling as Mom points out to Dad why Trixie decided to go “boneless.” Willems’ use of cartoon characters on top of non-fiction realistic black and white photos allows readers to relate to the setting and think of a connection they have to the book. The anticipation of finding Knuffle Bunny keeps all readers eager to know the outcome.

Knuffle Bunny A Cautionary Tale looks a lot like a memory book in action. Children and adults will all love the happy ending. Trixie has a very memorable day at the laundryman as she blurts out her first recognizable words.

Review Excerpts

2005 Caldecott Award Winner Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale illustrated and written by Mo Willems

Publishers Weekly says “Willems once again demonstrates his keen insight with a story both witty and wise.

School Library Journal, starred review “A seemless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.”

Connections

• You can print out coloring and activity pages for  books on Mo’s wonderful website, www.pigeonpresents.com.
• Go to www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com, type “KNUFFLE” into the search bar, click on “Knuffle Bunny Too,” and, on the book’s home page, you see the link you can click to print out the Event Kit, which is also full of reproducible pages and fun activities.
• Discuss the emaotions present in the book. Have students journal about a time when they felt desperate for help like Trixie did in the book.
• Read other Mo Willems books such as Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Images from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/