Along with participating in the A to Z Challenge, I want to continue my Perfect Picture Book Fridays participation in April. I appreciate everyone staying with me as I post almost daily this month. The challenge has been interesting and well, a bit of a challenge, to keep up with comments here, there and everywhere. I hope everyone has a blessed Easter. — Stacy
For Perfect Picture Book Fridays, I’ve chosen Knuffle Bunny Free.
The first book Knuffle Bunny was featured on the list in December by Loni Edwards.
Knuffle Bunny Free
An unexpected diversion by Mo Willems
Balzer + Bray/An imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, 2010
Fiction
Suitable for: Ages 3-7
Theme/Topic: Separation, Growing Up, Family
Opening: One day not so long ago, Trixie took a big trip with her family.
They were on their way to visit Trixie’s “Oma” and “Opa” in Holland.
Holland is far away.
Brief Synopsis: Knuffle Bunny begins the family trip to Holland, but disappears during the travels on planes and trains. Trixie’s older in this story and struggles to enjoy her visit with Oma and Opa as she misses Knuffle Bunny.
Link to resources: Knuffle Bunny Free activities. There are 12 pages of activities for this book. I lost track of time doing some of the activities. Be sure to go back and read the first Knuffle Bunny. There is a teaching guide for Knuffle Bunny too. Mo Willems has wonderful resources for his books.
Why I chose this book: I picked up Knuffle Bunny as part of my first lesson in the Just Write For Kids home course. When I added books I needed to my library list, I grabbed this installment of Trixie and Knuffle Bunny’s adventures. The illustrations — a combination of photos and drawings — hooked me into the story from the first page. It feels real, due to the photos. Mo Willems offers families a light and fun story. Plus, we’ve been there with a lost lovey or traveling puma — my niece Rosa’s traveling companion. Anyone who’s been on a search and rescue mission for a lost blanket or lovey totally gets this book. Now, I need to read the middle book in the series — Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity.
To find more picture books and resources, please visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and look for the Perfect Picture Books page.
I’m so glad you’ve added another Knuffle Bunny to our list! As you know, I think Mo Willems is a genius 🙂 Thanks for the great book and great activities!
Oh my goodness, Festus? Glad you chose Enzo.
Mo Willems books are so much fun to read aloud. I think every parent has had that pit-in-the-stomach moment of not being able to find the favorite lovey!
Knuffle Bunny is awesome! Going to check out the activities!
Sounds like a great book. I’ll have to look for it at the library. I still enjoy reading children’s books, even if I don’t have any little ones at home.
: )
These books have me rolling around laughing. I so get Mo Willem’s humour! It was the Just Write for Kids course that introduced me to him for the first time!
I love these activities, Stacy. And Knuffle Bunny is the bomb! We love that bunny in this house. Have a great Resurrection Sunday, my friend.
We love Mo Willems! We currently read a lot of Elephant and Piggie books, because my five-year-old can read them on his own. “We Are In a Book” is their current favorite.
I was JUST talking about this book last night! Mo Willems knows how to write ’em for kids and adults. What a talented author/illustrator. Thanks for sharing.
I love Mo Willems! Gave the entire Knuffle Bunny series to my granddaughter and she loves the books too. This book was especially good. Thanks for including it to our list.
I haven’t read this one yet, but it sounds fun. Thanks for sharing it!
Add me to the list of those who think Mo Willems can do no wrong! Great choice for this week, Stacy!
Mo Willems’ Knuffle Bunny is a favorite. I believe I’ve read this particular picture book and it touches on the concept of growing up a little bit and letting go. Thanks for reminding me of this one.
I’m glad this is on the list. I do love this book. Mo Willems does it every time, doesn’t he?