Knuffle Bunny is the first in a series of three great books by Mo Willems, and it’s certainly not your usual Easter book. However, since Knuffle Bunny is a delightful, contemporary story set in New York, we decided to select it as our Easter read anyway. The story starts with little babbling, bright-eyed Trixie and her dad taking a trip to the laundromat. On the way home…”Trixie realizes something…” Her favorite stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, has been left at the laundromat! Even though Trixie can’t really talk she finds plenty of other ways to express herself. The whole family helps in the search for the beloved toy. Read to the end to hear about the fate of Knuffle Bunny and Trixie’s big breakthrough. Kids will enjoy Willems’s expressive illustrations and humor. They will also be able to relate to Trixie’s love for a special toy and her frustration to communicate clearly with adults. Released by Hyperion Books in 2004, Knuffle Bunny won the prestigious 2005 Caldecott The story spawned an animated short and a musical, as well as two sequels. Altogether, the Knuffle Bunny Series has sold more than 750,000 copies. The series’ protagonist, Trixie, is named after Willems’ real-life daughter. Kirkus Reviews wrote, “The natural audience for this offering is a little older than its main character: they will easily identify with Trixie’s grief and at the same time feel superior to her hapless parent—and rejoice wholeheartedly at the happy reunion.” Publishers Weekly asserted that Willems “creates an entertaining story for parents and children alike.” and “once again demonstrates his keen insight with a story both witty and wise.” Common Sense Media described it “a charming book for all ages”and Inis magazine of Children’s Books Ireland wrote “Mo Willems’s book has a unique style that draws you in.”
MCM Story Telling & Art
