Review: Willems, M. (2011). Knuffle Bunny: A cautionary tale.
Willems, M. (2011). Knuffle Bunny: A cautionary tale. New York: Hyperion.

As is often the case with Willems’ work, the warm humor in Knuffle Bunny is conveyed through brief and simple text combined with amusing and expressive artwork. In this case, the main characters--Trixie and Daddy--appear to live in New York City, not unlike the urban setting in the inspired adventures of The Pigeon. What is different about this book is the juxtaposition of animated characters over real black-and-white photographs.
Even before the title page, we see the future Daddy and Mommy exiting a brownstone chapel as newlyweds, possibly in Manhattan, welcoming a red-faced baby Trixie, and then proudly taking her on a first walk in her baby carrier. However, the real antics begin when a yet non-verbal Trixie heads off to the laundromat with her father for the day and they stroll through their diverse neighborhood. Although she “helps” with the laundry in her own rambunctious childhood way, things go awry when her favorite stuffed toy, Knuffle Bunny, is inadvertently left behind in the washing machine.
This articulation of body language and facial expression is priceless in this story for anyone who has ever raced across town at all hours of the day or night to appease a screaming toddler, or anyone who has ever been that toddler.
Check out related activities as well as the further adventures of a growing Trixie and her bunny here.
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