My Words on Children's Literature

Genre 1 INTRO AND PICTURE BOOKS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY. NewYork: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This is simple story of Trixie, a toddler, going with Dad to the Laundromat. She brings her bunny with her on the adventure, but loses him during the process of loading the clothes into the washing machines. On the way home, Trixie tries desperately to communicate with her dad who thinks she is just a fussy baby. By the time they get home, she is in full blown fit mode. Her mother immediately recognizes the cause of the toddler’s fit, and they rush back to the Laundromat to search for her bunny. After several tries, the bunny is found and the delighted toddler proclaims her first words, “Knuffle Bunny!”

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The narrative is concise and simple. More is not necessary because the pictures really tell it all. The emotional story hits high, highs and low, lows. The joy of toddler going with dad is evident on the cartoon face of the little girl. The reader knows immediately what Trixie is “saying” and why she is so desperate. There is a feeling of urgency as the family zooms back to the Laundromat. And, of course, there is absolute celebration on being reunited with the best friend by using words. Every young child can relate to this story. They can “read” it themselves with these great illustrations. The bright cartoon drawings superimposed on sepia-colored photographs make a great combination.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

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 pre-verbal children as on silver-tongued preschoolers.”

Hornbook: “This everyday drama will immediately register with even pre-verbal listeners."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Have a stuffed animal day and share stories that include this favorite friend.

*Read this and other related books throughout the day and then write your own stories about your animal friend.

*Other books about stuffed animal friends:

Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY, TOO. ISBN 1423102991

Freeman, Don. CORDUROY. ISBN 0670063363

// posted by catalogblog @ 7:42 AM