KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE by Mo Willems

Review by Christi De Leon

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. New York: Hyperion Books, 2004. ISBN 978078681870

2.    PLOT SUMMARY

A young girl named Trixie accompanies her daddy on a trip to the Laundromat. Their outing goes successfully until Trixie realizes something is missing. Trixie babbles and fusses in attempt to let her daddy know. Unfortunately, daddy does not understand. When they reach home, Trixie’s mommy notices that Knuffle Bunny is missing. The family goes back to the Laundromat together to look for the stuffed animal, and daddy eventually finds it. Trixie is so overjoyed that she says her first words: Knuffle Bunny.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story has few words, and heavily relies on the illustrations. The presence of Knuffle Bunny in this book controlled the reactions of not only Trixie, but also everyone else. I especially took notice to all of the bystanders. At beginning, the people were all minding their own business as Trixie and her daddy walked to the Laundromat. Even when Trixie was throwing clothes around, her daddy still had a smile. Because Trixie was happy, daddy was happy, too. On the trip home, however, everyone was staring oddly as Trixie completely loses it and goes “boneless.” I also found it entertaining that Trixie could say “Knuffle Bunny” at the end of the story, but could not communicate this to her daddy the entire time the stuffed animal was missing. This story also reveals a typical, yet humorous truth of how a mommy often pays closer attention to details than a daddy. Trixie’s daddy had no idea why she was so upset, but mommy knew immediately asking, “Where’s Knuffle Bunny?”

The style of illustrations used in this story is highly suitable for its simplicity. The character illustrations consist of bright, hand-drawn sketches. Digital photographs with a sepia tone complete the setting. The sketches of the characters tend to jump out, showing expression and humor.  These series of sketches could almost tell the story, especially since the emotions are evident. Seeing cartoon drawings among a realistic background make the book even more appealable. It’s a fascinating and clever combination.

4.    REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2005 Caldecott Honor Book

From Booklist: “This comic gem proves that Willems has just as clear a bead on pre-verbal children as on silver tongued preschoolers.”

From The Horn Book: “There’s plenty here for kids to embrace. There are playful illustrations and a simple, satisfying story. This everyday drama will immediately register with even pre-verbal listeners.”

From School Library Journal: “A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.”

5.    CONNECTIONS

Gather other Caldecott Honor books to read such as:

Muth, Jon J. Zen Shorts. ISBN 9780439339117

Gather other books from the Knuffle Bunny Series to read such as:

Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identify ISBN 9781423102991

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion ISBN 9780061929571

A Kindergartener’s response:

“I like when she said her first words. She was so happy!”

Possible activities:

Allow students to draw a picture or write a story about their favorite stuffed animal or toy. Students could each bring their special stuffed animal or toy to show to their class as they tell their story.

Conduct a picture walk, looking only at the illustrations of Trixie. By observing her many facial expressions, develop a list of adjectives that describe her many emotions throughout the story. Students could also try emulating each facial expression.