Family Reads

Knuffle Bunny

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

by Mo Willems
© 2004, 32 pages Level 1 (all about levels)Amazon Reviews

 

Knuffle Bunny is just what you want in a book you're going to read over and over again—a great sense of humor, artwork that's engaging on the first look as well as the 20th, lots of fun words, a warm story, and the perfect rhythm for reading aloud.

The first time I opened this book, I was captivated by the unique blend of cartoon art and  photography, featuring black and white shots of Brooklyn. The drawings are pitch-perfect, including a priceless depiction of a toddler "going boneless," as well as hilariously telling facial expressions. A second time through, I began to appreciate the clever words and pacing. On further readings, I fell in love with the story.

As Trixie and her daddy head off to the laundromat, all is right with the world. Mom is waving happily from the steps outside their front door, joggers and bikers are enjoying a beautiful day, and Trixie has her faithful furry companion, Knuffle Bunny, along for the journey. But on the way home, Trixie realizes that something is terribly wrong and tries to let her daddy know using every method available to a toddler without words in her communication arsenal. The family pulls together during this time of crisis and sets off on a rescue mission with colossal implications.

Note: Knuffle Bunny's sequel, Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity, just won the Caldecott Honor this week! You can find a full list of winning children's literature for 2008 here.

 

I am a Bunny

I am a Bunny

by Ole Risom, illustrated by Richard Scarry © 1963, 26 pages Level 1 (tell me about levels)

 

If I could only choose one book to introduce very young children to reading, it would be I am a Bunny. First published in 1963, this board book was hard to locate for a while, but thankfully now it's easily found on Amazon, where almost every reviewer (65 out of 68 total) enthusiastically gives it five stars. With just one simple sentence on most pages, this book follows a bunny named Nicholas as he enjoys each moment of the year, like chasing butterflies in the spring, soaking up the sun as he watches birds in the summer, hiding under a toadstool when it rains, and watching fellow animals prepare for winter.

Each spread features a stunning drawing by Richard Scarry, different from his normal Busytown illustrations. These vivid and beautifully detailed scenes are perfect for little ones who enjoy pointing out familiar objects like flowers, frogs and leaves.

Brian and I read this to Ben so many times when he was younger that we can almost recite it word for word, even after more than eleven years. With a comfortable rhythm that proceeds gently through the year, I am a Bunny ends with Nicholas curled up in his tree asleep, dreaming about spring — the cozy conclusion many of us crave for our children at the end of a long day.