Picture Book Pick: Trixie's Back -- and Better Than Ever!

It may seem to many that I am being paid by Mo Willems to promote his books -- sadly, this is not true. I am such a big fan, though -- along with my 7 year old who is a HUGE fan -- that I can hardly help myself. That said, you and your girls MUST read Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity.

My 7 year old immediately pulled it off the shelf when we were at Barnes and Noble the other day, made me squeeze my bottom into one of their teeny Adirondack chairs -- and ordered me to read it with her.

That's what I love about Mo Willems and my darling daughter who is blossoming as an early reader -- she likes to read Trixie's lines and I get to be everyone else.

As we sat, my hips wedged into the tiny chair, we were thrilled to see that Trixie was back -- bigger and better and heading to Pre-K, with her beloved Knuffle Bunny, of course. We chuckled as Trixie argues with her classmate Sonja -- who happens to bring a Knuffle Bunny impostor! We laughed as Trixie realizes in the wee hours of the morning that she is sleeping with the wrong Knuffle Bunny! And we all out guffawed as Trixie refuses to budge until her dear Dad solves the problem.

Willems' illustrations are fantastic as usual -- superimposed over actual photographs. And the subject matter couldn't be more appropriate for girls who still cling to Blankies, Lovies, Wubbies, or in my 7 year old's case, Bear. My own sweet girl felt Trixie's pain, and hugged her Bear a little closer that night.

Your girls will love this picture book -- and so will you. Enjoy Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity -- and have a wonderful weekend!

Picture Book Pick: You're Gonna Love Knuffle Bunny!

I really do try to stick to recommending books that will specifically appeal to girls -- but there will be occasional books in this blog that EVERYONE should love, no matter what!

One of these books is Knuffle Bunny, by a perennial favorite of mine, Mo Willems.

Who can resist the cherubic face of sweet little Trixie as she ventures out with her father to the laundromat toting her best friend in the world -- Knuffle Bunny.

Trixie's hilarious baby talk will have kiddos rolling in the aisles -- as well as her sheer panic when she realize that her beloved Knuffle Bunny is missing!

Parents will giggle at the frustration of Trixie's worn-out Dad as he tries to figure out what is wrong with the kid.

When they head home and Mom points out the obvious ("Where's Knuffle Bunny?") the trio head back to the laundromat and a hilarious search ensues.

The simple, adorable illustrations are wonderful, with real photographs ingeniously incorporated into the scenes. Your kids will love poring over them and then they'll cheer when the search is over and Trixie finally utters her first real words ....

Can you guess what they are?

Kids who still have a favorite snuggly toy will relate to this book, as will adults who know that if that toy ever gets lost -- it's going to be a bad, bad day.

You will enjoy reading this book -- regardless of age or gender -- better yet, let your kiddos act it out for you -- I bet they'll put on quite a show!