1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Trixie went to run an errand with her Daddy and Knuffle Bunny. They “…went down the block, through the park, past the school, and into the Laundromat.” While at the Laundromat Trixie got to help her Daddy with the laundry. After the laundry was in the wash they started to walk home, but on the way Trixie discovered she left something…Knuffle Bunny. She tries to express to her dad by saying “Aggle flaggle klabble!” but he isn’t able to comprehend what she is trying to saying. Trixie tried and tried to communicate with dad without any success. By the time they got home they were both unhappy. As soon as mom opened the door, of course, she immediately knew what was wrong. Mom asks “Where’s Knuffle Bunny?” The whole family runs back to the Laundromat where they looked for and find the prized stuffed animal. Trixie yells “KNUFFLE BUNNY.” Those are the first words Trixie ever spoke.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Willems’ story of Trixie’s Knuffle Bunny depicts that moment of panicked when we realize something in missing or wrong. This book represents the love Trixie has for a prized possession, Knuffle Bunny, and her parents love for her. Kids of all ages can relate to Trixie not being about to communicate with dad or get the correct words out. Trixie’s parents show their unconditional love by trying to find Knuffle Bunny immediately in order to prevent further sadness. In the end everyone is a winner, Trixie is reunited with Knuffle Bunny and her parents were able to hear the first words she ever spoke, “KNUFFLE BUNNY!!!”
Willem’s illustrations in this book combine black and white photography with colorful cartoon like illustrations through the streets of Brooklyn. This adds an additional level of inertest to the story and these two combined give the reader a since of their community as well as feeling like they are there. He captures Trixie’s emotions as they change throughout the story giving the reader a real sense of what she is going through. He also shows a wide-eyed Knuffle Bunny peeking out of the washing machine adding a level of concern.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
*Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages.”
*Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Even children who can already talk a blue streak will come away satisfied that their own strong emotions have been mirrored and legitimized, and readers of all ages will recognize the agonizing frustration of a little girl who knows far more than she can articulate.”
*2005 Caldecott Medal Winner
5. CONNECTIONS
*Characterizations and Emotions – Trixie’s mood and emotions change multiple times throughout the book. Have the students examine her faces in the illustrations throughout the book and brainstorm a list of emotion words.
*Making Connections – Have the students think about a time they have been upset like Trixie? What happened? How did they feel? What did they do or how did they react?
*Other related books by Mo Willems:
KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO. ISBN 1423102991
KNUFFLE BUNNY FREE. ISBN 0061929576
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