1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this very lighthearted picture book, Mo Willems invites the reader to experience the dramatic, everyday life of a frustrated toddler, Trixie. The story begins with daddy and Trixie on a routine trip to the Laundromat. After helping Daddy with the laundry, Trixie and her father set out for their walk home. On the way, much to her dismay, Trixie realizes she no longer has her beloved stuffed bunny, Knuffle Bunny, in her possession. Not realizing what his daughter is trying to convey through “AGGLE FLAGGLE KLABBLE”, Daddy becomes quite irritated. Luckily, Mommy knew the problem the moment they arrived home. She joined the family in a trip back to the Laundromat to find Knuffle Bunny safely spinning in the washer.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Willems’ writing is appealing to young readers because he takes an everyday problem of a toddler and depicts the struggle of having this problem and not being able to communicate their needs. Toddlers are known for public displays of fits and bouts of dramatized behaviors. Children can easily connect with Trixie, possibly remembering a time they themselves experienced a similar struggle of adults not understanding their needs. Adults too, can empathize with the daddy knowing that all adults have been in his shoes.
Mo Willems’ combination of cartoon illustrations and photographed scenery brings the book to life. His use of line accentuates the overall emotions of the dynamic characters present throughout the text. It helps the audience to read the characters feelings without reference to the text. The contrast of brightly colored characters on top of the black and white photographs actually makes the characters pop off the page. It is through the illustrations that the audience is given clues about Trixie’s upcoming problem.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal, Starred Review- “A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.”
Caldecott Honor Book
Bccb Blue Ribbon Picture Book Award
Booklist, Starred Review – “Willems chronicles this domestic drama with pitch-perfect text and illustrations that boldly depart from the spare formula of his previous books.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Lead a discussion over a time when you lost something or a time when your parents did not understand what you wanted.
*Read KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO : A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY ISBN 1423102991 by Mo Willems and discuss how Trixie’s character has developed and/or matured from one book to another. Depending on the age, children can work in groups to complete a venn diagram comparing Trixie in both books.
*Read other books written by Mo Willems
DON’T LET THE PIGEON STAY UP LATE ISBN. 0786837462
KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE: AN UNEXPECTED DIVERSION.
ISBN 0061929573
DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS. ISBN 078681988X
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