KNUFFLE BUNNY by MO WILLEMS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo. 2004. Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700.

PLOT SUMMARY

This story begins with Trixie, a toddler, and her stuffed Knuffle Bunny.  The two tag along with Daddy to the Laundromat.  After a series of events at the Laundromat, the two head home and Trixie becomes inconsolable.  Daddy tries to decipher her fit but it is Mom who realizes that Knuffle Bunny is missing.  Immediately, the family of three race back to the Laundromat where they hunt for the bunny.  Upon discovery, Trixie speaks her first words, “Knuffle Bunny.” 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This tenderhearted story, like many picture books, is told primarily through the pictures on each page.  Though text also accompanies the pictures, it could be removed and the reader would still understand the story.  The setting in each picture is a real photograph such as the front steps of their apartment, the park, and the Laundromat.  The characters, laundry items, and speech bubbles are illustrations by Willems drawn into the photographs.  The illustrations are quite linear.  The straight lines are utilized to provide simple and clear characters for the reader.    Each picture is surrounded by a color border that is muted and serious.  The photographs are black and white, but the illustrations include bright colors such as yellow, orange, and sky blue.  The tone of the story can be realized through the pace and face of the characters.  In the beginning, Daddy is shown walking with a cheerful Trixie in front of him.  Daddy is carefree, smiling, and walks around the Laundromat with his hand in his pocket.  On the way home, Daddy’s facial features change to frustration at the suddenly distressed child.  The speed picks up as they realize the stuffed bunny is back at the Laundromat.  Now they are illustrated as running and frantically searching through the washers and dryers.  The story concludes with each character showing pleasure at the finding of Knuffle Bunny.  It is a tale of sweet remembrance as most readers can envision themselves or someone they love in the same situation. 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEWS – “The natural audience for this offering is a little older than its main character: they will easily identify with Trixie’s grief and at the same time feel superior to her hapless parent—and rejoice wholeheartedly at the happy reunion.”

Starred Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - “Any child who has ever had a favorite toy will identify with the toddler star of this tale.”

CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK (2005) – “This energetic comedy, illustrated with an unconventional combination of sepia-tone photographs and wry cartoon ink sketches, charms both parents and children.”

CONNECTIONS
*Young children: have them draw a picture of something that is meaningful to them.
*Elementary children: draw a picture of something meaningful to them and then write their own tale about losing and finding the object.
*Compare the story with another story about losing a special toy such as, CAPTAIN SKY BLUE, by Richard Egielski.