Our Love For “Knuffle Bunny”
Growing up I had a stuffed dog called Mopsy. He was a very matted whitish sheep dog stuffed animal. I would be scared when he went into the washer because he was so worn, I was convinced he would fall apart. Frankly, I have no idea how he did not fall apart!
I feel like most kids have a lovie or stuffed animal that always hold a special place in their heart. It can be a disaster if it goes missing or forgotten somewhere! That is why the picture books in the series Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems is so beloved. There are three books in the series that follow the transformation of the Trixie and Knuffle Bunny.
Knuffle Bunny and the Cautionary Tale
The first installment in the series follows Trixie, Dad and Knuffle Bunny to the laundry mat. Of course, Knuffle Bunny ends up in the washing machine and they do not realize it until they arrive back home. Trixie is not happy to say the least. We can all relate for Trixie in that minute as she fears for the safty of her beloved stuffie. Mo Willems is a terrific illustrator as well as writer and this story is an instant classic to me.
Knuffle Bunny- A Case of Mistaken Identify
In the second installment of the series, Trixie is now in school. I am guessing kindergarden or first grade as she brings Knuffle Bunny to show and tell at school. what could go wrong, right? Well, her friend also brings a bunny that looks exactly the same? They end up arguing over the name of the stuffies and each get their beloved stuffies taken away for the day! At the end of the day, their teacher returns the stuffies but unknow to them the bunnies were switched. Of course, it is not until the middle of the night that Trixie realized the mistake. The bunnies must be switched right away! The illistrations are my favorite in this book and add to the humor for parents reading it allowed. A MUST READ.
Knuffle Bunny Free- An Unexpected Diversion
In the conclusion of the series, I cried. YUP. The first time I read this book I felt like Trixie had grown up TOO fast! I wanted more Knuffle bunny adventures. Trixie and her family travel to visit Grandma and Grandpa via airplane. I bet you can guess where this is going, Knuffle Bunny gets left on the plane. Her family tries to cheer yup Trixie but nothing can replace Knuffle Bunny. Finally on the airplane headed home, Knuffle Bunny is sitting in the seat pocket right in front of Trixie! It feels like fait. Well, when the baby in the seat behind Trixie starts to cry, Trixie turns around and gives him Knuffle bunny. (This is where I lost it) A few weeks later she recieves a letter from the family updating her on Knuffly Bunny’s new life…. I am not crying, you are! It truly is a great end to the series and Mo Willems writes is wonderfully.
Do NOT fear! You can buy your own Knuffle Bunny on amazon!
