Genre 1 - Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2004. Knuffle Bunny. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Mo Willems tells a story that resonates among children and adults who remember such tragic events as the loss of good friend (even a stuffed one!). As we follow Trixie and her daddy on a trip to the laundromat, readers may sense the building tension of an unforeseen tragedy that is revealed through a climax of baby blabber which swallows the pages. Knuffle Bunny is missing! Unbeknownst to a father, unable to make sense of his daughter’s failed attempts at communication, the favorite stuffed bunny has vanished. When mommy points out the missing family member, a humorous pursuit entails, taking readers down the same path that Trixie and her daddy took just pages before, but at a much quicker pace! When at last Knuffle Bunny is found (freshly laundered) Trixie speaks her first words in a rush of relief and excitement.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Willems’ tale of Trixie’s Knuffle Bunny accurately describes that panicked moment of life when we realize SOMETHING is not as it should be. The morals and values presented through the story describe the unconditional love of parents and the lengths that they are willing to go to protect their children from pain and sadness. The developmental milestone of “baby’s first words” is a perfect ending to the high-paced action of the book. Through short and simple phrasing Willems tells a story that plays out with the smoothness of a film.

The use color drawings superimposed onto black and white photographs give both contrast and emphasis to the depiction of Willems’ words. The photographs of New York serve as a backdrop for the characters and action that is taking place. The eye is drawn first to the action and then to the setting, providing an opportunity for exploration in each new photo. The smoothness and font of the letters in each word bubble offer further insight into the tone and volume of the voice that is speaking the words. When Trixie frantically babbles, “Aggle flaggle klabble!” to her daddy, jagged letters reinforce the panic in her voice and concern that she feels for her friend. The more linear serif font of her mother’s words, “Where’s Knuffle Bunny?” lead readers to sense a calm questioning tone. The muted green border of each page’s illustration complements the book without taking away from the action and scene of each page.

Willems’ has created a timeless story that is clearly conveyed through both words and art.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages. A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “This comic gem proves that Caldecott Medal-winner Willems, the Dr. Spock and Robin Williams of the lap-sit crowd, has just as clear a bead on preverbal children as on silver-tongued preschoolers.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Follow the reading of KNUFFLE BUNNY with KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO and KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE, making note of the similarities and differences in the stories.
*Lead children in a discussion of their own “Knuffle Bunnies” (whatever they may be) and the connections that they have to these friends.
*Put together an author’s spotlight of Mo Willems, showcasing his written works as well as his television achievements (i.e. Sheep in the Big City and Codename: Kids Next Door).