Title: Knuffle Bunny
Author & Illustrator: Mo Williams
Publisher & Year of Publication: Hyperion, 2004
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Recommended Audience: Ages 3-6
Summary: A father and his daughter Trixie walk to the local laundry mat, and on the way home Trixie begins babbling and has trouble communicating something is missing. Upon returning to home, and after several attempts by dad to keep Trixie calm, her mother immediately recognizes Trixie’s stuffed bunny is missing. Her dad finally finds the bunny, and Trixie shouts her first words, “Knuffle Bunny!”
Evaluation/Reflection: This book is humorous, and readers of all ages can relate to different elements of the text. It is appealing for children who have trouble expressing themselves and learning how to communicate.
Memorable Literary Element: The climax of Trixie shouting "Knuffle Bunny" at the end is very memorable. The reader will want to repeat it and say it themselves with excitement!
Illustrations: The illustrations include a combination of black and white images used as the background, and colorful cartoon characters drawn as well. The text also varies throughout the book.
Review: Willem's created a story that was extremely unique in the sense that many books do not combine real life scenery with illustrated cartoons. Her interesting use of dismal tones combined with bright colors and scribbled lines causes not only the illustrations, but the book in general to stand out. The humorous emotion displayed by Trixie's character adds to the overall comedic theme. For example, when Trixe, "went boneless" during her temper tantrum her mangled body and facial expression is something that parents and children can relate to. Willems uses simple expressions to imply events that may seem boring if she had explained them in greater detail. Her lack of text adds to the overall effectiveness of the book in the sense that the reader get the sense that small and seemingly insignificant events can sometimes have great humor. I feel that this book is extremely effective because it is relatable to both children and adults. Many adults get frustrated when they cannot understand the wants and needs of their child, just like Daddy did not know why Trixe was so upset. Adults may also able to recall their first words spoken as a child. Also, many children have a stuffed animal that they never leave home without and would probably react the same way Trixie did. (PB Works)
Promotion Idea: Knuffle Bunny is a great book to promote to students and teachers as they are discussing and learning about personal narrative writing. Students could celebrate Knuffle Bunny with a show and tell day of favorite stuffed animals.
Acquisition: Interloan library sharing, curriculum and special education funding for literary materials.
Author & Illustrator: Mo Williams
Publisher & Year of Publication: Hyperion, 2004
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Recommended Audience: Ages 3-6
Summary: A father and his daughter Trixie walk to the local laundry mat, and on the way home Trixie begins babbling and has trouble communicating something is missing. Upon returning to home, and after several attempts by dad to keep Trixie calm, her mother immediately recognizes Trixie’s stuffed bunny is missing. Her dad finally finds the bunny, and Trixie shouts her first words, “Knuffle Bunny!”
Evaluation/Reflection: This book is humorous, and readers of all ages can relate to different elements of the text. It is appealing for children who have trouble expressing themselves and learning how to communicate.
Memorable Literary Element: The climax of Trixie shouting "Knuffle Bunny" at the end is very memorable. The reader will want to repeat it and say it themselves with excitement!
Illustrations: The illustrations include a combination of black and white images used as the background, and colorful cartoon characters drawn as well. The text also varies throughout the book.
Review: Willem's created a story that was extremely unique in the sense that many books do not combine real life scenery with illustrated cartoons. Her interesting use of dismal tones combined with bright colors and scribbled lines causes not only the illustrations, but the book in general to stand out. The humorous emotion displayed by Trixie's character adds to the overall comedic theme. For example, when Trixe, "went boneless" during her temper tantrum her mangled body and facial expression is something that parents and children can relate to. Willems uses simple expressions to imply events that may seem boring if she had explained them in greater detail. Her lack of text adds to the overall effectiveness of the book in the sense that the reader get the sense that small and seemingly insignificant events can sometimes have great humor. I feel that this book is extremely effective because it is relatable to both children and adults. Many adults get frustrated when they cannot understand the wants and needs of their child, just like Daddy did not know why Trixe was so upset. Adults may also able to recall their first words spoken as a child. Also, many children have a stuffed animal that they never leave home without and would probably react the same way Trixie did. (PB Works)
Promotion Idea: Knuffle Bunny is a great book to promote to students and teachers as they are discussing and learning about personal narrative writing. Students could celebrate Knuffle Bunny with a show and tell day of favorite stuffed animals.
Acquisition: Interloan library sharing, curriculum and special education funding for literary materials.