1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Williams, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700
2. PLOT SUMMARY
When little Trixie went to the laundromat with her father, she brought along her toy bunny, Knuffle Bunny. As Trixie's father put clothes into the washer, Knuffle Bunny was accidentally put inside with them and left behind. On the way home, Trixie realized her bunny was gone and she tried to tell her father. The problem was, Trixie couldn't speak yet, and her father did not understand why she was throwing a temper tantrum. Upon arriving home, Trixie's mother noticed immediately that Knuffle Bunny was missing. The whole family raced back to the laundromat where Knuffle Bunny was found. As Knuffle Bunny was pulled out of the washing machine, Trixie spoke her first words, "Knuffle Bunny!"
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The plot of this story is something every child can relate to. The fear of losing a favorite toy is something that all children can understand. The illustrations in this book are unique. Each person and animal in this story was drawn in color in cartoon fashion, while the scenic backgrounds were made from digital photographs in black and white tones. This allows the story to have an old fashioned feeling while making sure that the characters stand out. The cartoon characters express themselves in ways that are both hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time, as Trixie babbles and then screams for Knuffle Bunny while her bewildered father looks on.
The main characters in this story are a Caucasian family that consists of little Trixie and her parents. There are two African American characters and people of different ages found in the background on the way to and from the laundromat. No characters of Asian or Hispanic origin are found in this book. This book was written in a simple and entertaining manner and will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. This story would be ideal to read to very young children because the pictures alone carry as much meaning as the words.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
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."
HORN BOOK (THE HORN BOOK GUIDE, SPRING 2005): "The playful retro-style illustrations, in which cartoon characters are digitally incorporated into sepia-toned photos, complement the simple, satisfying story."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages."
5. CONNECTIONS
This book is a wonderful way to help children deal with the loss of a toy or other treasured possession.
*An additional book by Mo Williams:
KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. ISBN 1423102991
*Other books for children about lost and found possessions:
Carmichael, Clay. LONESOME BEAR. ISBN 1558589678
Dieter, Schubert. WHERE'S MY MONKEY? ISBN 1886910634
Gott, Barry. PATCHES LOST AND FOUND. by Steven Kroll. ISBN 1890817538
Williams, Mo. 2004. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786818700
2. PLOT SUMMARY
When little Trixie went to the laundromat with her father, she brought along her toy bunny, Knuffle Bunny. As Trixie's father put clothes into the washer, Knuffle Bunny was accidentally put inside with them and left behind. On the way home, Trixie realized her bunny was gone and she tried to tell her father. The problem was, Trixie couldn't speak yet, and her father did not understand why she was throwing a temper tantrum. Upon arriving home, Trixie's mother noticed immediately that Knuffle Bunny was missing. The whole family raced back to the laundromat where Knuffle Bunny was found. As Knuffle Bunny was pulled out of the washing machine, Trixie spoke her first words, "Knuffle Bunny!"
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The plot of this story is something every child can relate to. The fear of losing a favorite toy is something that all children can understand. The illustrations in this book are unique. Each person and animal in this story was drawn in color in cartoon fashion, while the scenic backgrounds were made from digital photographs in black and white tones. This allows the story to have an old fashioned feeling while making sure that the characters stand out. The cartoon characters express themselves in ways that are both hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time, as Trixie babbles and then screams for Knuffle Bunny while her bewildered father looks on.
The main characters in this story are a Caucasian family that consists of little Trixie and her parents. There are two African American characters and people of different ages found in the background on the way to and from the laundromat. No characters of Asian or Hispanic origin are found in this book. This book was written in a simple and entertaining manner and will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. This story would be ideal to read to very young children because the pictures alone carry as much meaning as the words.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
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."
HORN BOOK (THE HORN BOOK GUIDE, SPRING 2005): "The playful retro-style illustrations, in which cartoon characters are digitally incorporated into sepia-toned photos, complement the simple, satisfying story."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages."
5. CONNECTIONS
This book is a wonderful way to help children deal with the loss of a toy or other treasured possession.
*An additional book by Mo Williams:
KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. ISBN 1423102991
*Other books for children about lost and found possessions:
Carmichael, Clay. LONESOME BEAR. ISBN 1558589678
Dieter, Schubert. WHERE'S MY MONKEY? ISBN 1886910634
Gott, Barry. PATCHES LOST AND FOUND. by Steven Kroll. ISBN 1890817538
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