Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems recently won a Caldecott Honor. It’s the sequel to Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale which also won a Caldecott Honor in 2005. The books are both illustrated with drawings on top of black and white photographs.
According to Willems website, he pronounces “Knuffle” with a hard “K” The word “knuffle” is Dutch for snuggle.
In Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale the reader meets a little girl named Trixie. She’s old enough to walk, but not yet talking. The book shows Trixie and her daddy walking through the neighborhood to the Laundromat. The illustrations of the neighbors they pass along the way cycling, jogging, and walking dogs lend an authentic air to the book. All the while, she’s carrying a stuffed rabbit, swinging it in the air, and hugging it’s neck. Trixie is excited to get to put money into the washer. She and her daddy leave the Laundromat. We see Knuffle Bunny looking out of the washing machine. A block or so later, Trixie realizes that she doesn’t have Knuffle Bunny with her. The illustration shows her eyes huge and mouth in worried realization. Trixie tries to tell her daddy, but she only makes sounds since she can’t talk yet. She resorts to bawling and going boneless. But her daddy doesn’t understand. As soon as they get home, Trixie’s mommy asks where Knuffle Bunny is. The whole family ends up running back to the Laundromat where they find Knuffle Bunny! Trixie is so glad to find her bunny that she speaks her first words as she yells out “Knuffle Bunny”.
This is a story that appeals to adults and children. The illustrations are marvelous, particularly of Trixie throwing a tantrum. Most families can relate to the fear of losing that special stuffed friend. And adults will laugh in recognition of trying to understand an upset toddler.
Also See:
The Caldecott Medal and the Man for Whom It was Named
Tops & Bottoms – Janet Stevens