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

When Trixie takes her very special Knuffle Bunny to Pre-K for sharing, she realizes that her classmate has a very similar toy pet. The school day does not go well, and neither does the night. After a case of mistaken identity, followed by an after-midnight exchange, all is healed and Trixie has a new best friend.

Anyone who has ever treasured a special doll or stuffed animal will understand Trixie's feeling as she trots off to school to share "her one-of-a-kind Knuffle Bunny." Her eyes are wide with excitement as she tugs her father behind her along the Brooklyn Streets, and she can hardly breathe as she lists the names of all the kids with whom she is going to share him. They also will understand her dismay and unhappiness when the day doesn't turn out as she expected, and why she cannot sleep at night until the case of mistaken identity is solved. While parents may be amazed when her dad gets up at 2:30 in the morning to make things right, kids will agree with Trixie that he had found the perfect, and only, solution.

Once again, Mo Willems has created a masterpiece that will engage kids and parents alike. He has set simply drawn, yet colorful and expressive, cartoon characters against real black-and-white photographs of Brooklyn. The effect is captivating! The simple changes in facial expressions and body language create the drama, which is both humorous and touching. The photographic background provides detail and a true sense of place. On top of that, the language is straightforward and somewhat understated, which completes this perfect package.

Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Publication date: September 4, 2007
Number of pages: 48
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 6