Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems (Genre: Picture Book)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2008. Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. Walkers Books. ISBN: 9781423102991

PLOT SUMMARY
This is a story of two girls named Trixie and Sonja. Trixie is excited to takes her one-of –a- kind Knuffle bunny to school where she finds out that Sonja has the same bunny. The girls argue over the bunnies until the teacher takes them away. She returns them at the end of the day. Trixie realizes in the middle of the night that the bunny she has been snuggled up with is not hers. Their dads meet and the bunnies are swapped in the middle of the night.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is an enjoyable story with very expressive illustrations. The story of two girls and their look alike bunnies is illustrated very skillfully. The book has actual photographs set as background and illustrated characters are used very effectively with them. The combination of the photographs and the cartoon characters are very appealing and will be loved by pre-schoolers and kindergarteners.
The illustrations are brightly colored. Willems has carefully depicted the expressions and the wide range of emotions on the faces of the characters in the illustrations.
I think that the book has a good story to start with but the solution to the problem that arises in the story is not correctly responded to. The bunnies had been exchanged but the swapping of bunnies in the middle of the night was not the appropriate action that should have been taken. I feel that this book should be used to encourage children to think about better solutions when such situations occur.

AWARDS WON
ALA Notable Book
Caldecott Honor Book
Kirkus Review Best Book of the Year
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Starred Review: "This manners lesson is a lively romp, from Rabbit’s ’Doo Dee Doo’ song and a catchy banjo tune to the fun puns and wordplays…Keller’s colorful illustrations have been animated, bringing each animal to life...A witty and wonderful book has been made into an even more engaging film."
Booklist: "This appealing story of friendship will attract a wide audience...Another sterling adaptation of a beloved tale."

CONNECTIONS
*This is a good book to read to pre-school and kindergarten kids.
*This story could be used to encourage children to think about a different ending to the story.
*This book could also be used to enhance the creativity of young kids by helping them combine photos and illustrations to create artwork.
*A show and tell story time could be organized with the kids where they could bring an item that they are/had been attached to.