Thursday, January 24, 2008

Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity


Willems, Mo. 2007. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 9781423102991 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-2]

REVIEW
Trixie is excited about starting Pre-K and showing off her one-of-a-kind Knuffle Bunny to her teacher and her new friends, but when she gets to school, she discovers that Sonya also has a Knuffle Bunny, just like hers. The two girls are instant enemies, not even agreeing on how to pronounce “knuffle,” and the bunnies are put in time-out. Finally, school is over and the girls and their bunnies go home, but once she is in bed, Trixie realizes she has the wrong Knuffle Bunny and a middle of the night exchange is made. The two girls and two bunnies are both happy again.

Willems, Trixie, and Knuffle Bunny are once again delightful in a romp that both parents and kids can relate to and enjoy. My story? A pink “Baby Baby” stuffed doll left in the airport in Amarillo, Texas, a very unhappy two year old, and finally an exact replacement doll that was never quite as loved, but was almost as good.

CONNECTIONS
For a preschool or kindergarten class, children can bring their favorite “lovies” or “transitional objects” and read both of the KNUFFLE BUNNY stories. For older students, even middle schoolers, share the book and have them write stories of a favorite toy they remember from their “childhoods.” Have them share their stories or publish them in a class book. For older students, compare with THE VELEVETEEN RABBIT or other stories about beloved childhood toys.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by Mo Willems:
DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS. ISBN 078681988X
KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. ISBN 9780786818709

Other books about loved objects.
Henkes, Kevin. OWEN. ISBN 0688114490
Williams, Margery. THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. ISBN 9780689841347


By Janet Hilbun

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