Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, silly tale about self-importance and self-acceptance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
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A snarly, gnarly buffalo rebuffs the friendly overtures of three other prairie animals in Buffalo Fluffalo. Ram offers a floppy pink wool hat. Prairie Dog invites him to play in his tunnels. Crow tries to engage in chit chat. The answer is always the same: "I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo—/I heave and I huffalo./ Leave me alone because/I've had enuffalo!" Then one day, storm clouds gather and dump rain "with a splash and a spuffalo." Buffalo Fluffalo finds his fluff soggy and his size greatly reduced. He's about to retreat in a huff when Ram, Prairie Dog, and Crow try to convince him that "we like you just fine without all your puff." In fact, they now declare, "You are hugly and snugly kissable." The snarly, gnarly Buffalo Fluffalo is won over and finds himself covered with the kisses and hugs from many adoring prairie friends. |
Is It Any Good?
This silly, sweet tale shows how a previously puffed-up, self-important buffalo is reduced to skin and bones by a rainstorm, rendering him miserable and "missable." But, thanks to the perseverance of friendly fellow prairie dwellers, he learns about self-acceptance in Buffalo Fluffalo. Declares Crow, "You don't have to act tough. You're great as you are, no matter your size." Sounds like Mr. Rogers himself! The theme of positive change is explored with humor. The wordplay is lots of fun, and the message is delivered with a light "enuffalo" touch. In the art, Buffalo is often comical while the prairie landscapes are lovely. All in all, an entertaining and emotionally attuned picture book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Buffalo Fluffalo and think about why Buffalo might want to act so gruff, even like a bully. Do you know anyone like that? If so, how does that behavior make you feel?
In the beginning of the story, Buffalo Fluffalo is gruff, but by the end he is changed. Some say that it takes courage to change. What do you think?
In the story, Ram, Prairie Dog, and Crow show perseverance in trying to befriend Buffalo Fluffalo. Have you ever had to work hard to get to know someone? What happened?
This story uses lots of playful language. Have you ever tried to write a poem that plays with words?
The animals in the story use strong communication skills to try to convince Buffalo Fluffalo to abandon his gruff ways. Have you ever used words at home, school, or play to connect with someone else?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Erin Kraan
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Studio
- Publication date : January 2, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : November 24, 2025
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