For this week’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, I chose a book by one of my favorite author/illustrator’s Mo Willems.
Title/Author/Publisher: Knuffle Bunny Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems- 2004 – Hyperion Books for Children/New York (An imprint of Disney Book Group).
Suitable for: 3-6 Theme/Topics: Seperation, Humor
Opening and Brief Synopsis: Not so long ago, before she could even speak words, Trixie went on an errand with her daddy… This sweet book is about the trouble Trixie and her Daddy have when Trixie realizes she has lost her beloved Knuffle Bunny. Unfortunately, Trixie can’t communicate properly with her Daddy. Mo Willems’ great storytelling skills and illustrations create a fun tale about separation and understanding.
Links to resources: Knuffle Bunny Teaching Guide, Pigeon’s Pal Knuffle Bunny Activities
Why I like this book: As an illustrator, I am always drawn to the art of a picture book. As a writer/reader I am drawn to a fun story that also has a meaning behind it. Mo Willems’ Knuffle Bunny fits both of those criteria. It is fun, engaging and a pure joy to read. I love it! As a parent, I could relate to poor Daddy trying to figure out what Trixie wanted. I think most of us parents have been in this situation before.
clarbojahn 16/12/2011
I have yet to read it but I just got “Knuffle Bunny” out from the library! This makes it that much more valuable to go ahead and pull it out right now. Thanks for this review. It sounds “Just right”.
Catherine Johnson 16/12/2011
A classic, love Knuffle Bunny.
Loni Edwards 16/12/2011
@clarbojahn and @Catherine
Yes, this is an awesome book. It is definitely a classic. I love all of the added activities that Mo has on his site for it. Really adds to the book experience.
Susanna Leonard Hill 16/12/2011
I LOVE Knuffle Bunny! (and Mo Willems in general! – I may have to post Amanda And Her Alligator for one of these PPBFs!) You did a great job for your first PPB – excellent book choice, description and resources! Thanks so much for joining in the fun 🙂
Loni Edwards 16/12/2011
Thanks Susanna. Yeah, I love all of Mo’s books. They are awesome.
Julie Hedlund 16/12/2011
I’ve always loved this series, especially because my son has his own bunny! 🙂
Loni Edwards 16/12/2011
Oh that is so cool! I bet he loved this book 🙂
elizabethanne 16/12/2011
I love this book (and KB too and KB free as well). Did you know that there’s a Knuffle Bunny MUSICAL? I would so love to see it. You can read about it at Mo Willems blog: http://mowillemsdoodles.blogspot.com/2010/07/knuffle-bunny-cautionary-musical-tour.html
Loni Edwards 16/12/2011
Oh wow! Thanks for the link. I would love to go see that!
patientdreamer 16/12/2011
loved this Loni. Read this during my picture book course with Emma Walton Hamilton. Would you believe this book is under lock and key in our local library. Its a classic!
Loni Edwards 16/12/2011
Oh that would be fun to take a picture book course. Under lock and key? Wow!
Kelly Korenek 16/12/2011
Loni, I love Mo Willem books, and Knuffle Bunny is a great choice! It is a perfect read-aloud for little ones. I also love love love the badge you created for PPBF! Awesome job 🙂
Loni 17/12/2011 — Post Author
Thank you Kelly, I am glad you liked the badge. It was a lot of fun to do. I agree, Knuffle Bunny is a perfect read-aloud book.
Patricia Tilton 17/12/2011
Loni, I love your selection. I have given all three books to my granddaughter and she loves them. I love everything about the books — the story, the simplicity and the art. Great selection!
Loni Edwards 17/12/2011
Thank you Patricia. Yes, Mo Willems’ books are a wonderful gift! They are classics!
Stacy S. Jensen 18/12/2011
I really need to check the library for this and more of Mo Willems books. Thanks for the recommendation.
Loni Edwards 18/12/2011
You’re welcome Stacy. The Pigeon books by Mo are great too!
Erik -This Kid Reviews Books 18/12/2011
I LOVE Mo Willems but I haven’t read Knuffle Bunny – WHY?!? I don’t know! I really have to especially after reading your review 😉
PS The mouse you made for Perfect Picture Book Friday is AWESOME!!
Loni Edwards 18/12/2011
Thank you Erik! I hadn’t read Knuffle Bunny until last year when Mo was selling autographed books at the Eric Carle museum. This one I had heard so much about from my friends. It really is a cute book. Yes, go get it from the library, pronto! 🙂
Loni Edwards 18/12/2011
PS Thank you!
Tracy Bermeo 18/12/2011
I love this book! The art is different, and I think my favorite part is that I just love the name: Knufflebunny. How great is that?!
Loni Edwards 18/12/2011
🙂 Tracy, you are so right. This book gets a gold star for the title alone!