Knuffle Bunny Free

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion is a children's picture book by author and illustrator Mo Willems. It was released on September 28, 2010 by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins. It is the third and final book in Willem's Knuffle Bunny series, which also includes Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale and Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. It debuted at the number one spot on The New York Times Best Seller list.^[1] Amazon.com named the book one of its Top 10 Children's Picture Books of 2010.^[2] Willems was a finalist for Illustrator of the Year during 2011's Children's Book Week, sponsored by the Children's Book Council of the United States because of his efforts in illustrating this book.^[3]

Plot

Trixie and her family take a trip to visit her grandparents in Holland. She leaves her beloved stuffed toy, Knuffle Bunny, on the airplane and does not realize the toy is missing until it is too late. Knuffle Bunny is on his way to China. Trixie's family reassures her that she is getting older, so she must try to have courage. Still sad, Trixie goes to bed. She dreams of all the fantastic places Knuffle Bunny will visit and all of the fun things he will do. This brightens her mood considerably and comforts her. Soon, her vacation is over, and she gets on the airplane to fly back home to New York City. Surprisingly, it is the same plane as before, and Knuffle Bunny is waiting for her in a seat pocket. Trixie is excited until she sees a baby crying on the airplane. In a coming-of-age act of compassion, she gives Knuffle Bunny to the baby for comfort.

In an epilogue, the author wishes the real Trixie, his daughter, a happy and fulfilling life, and predicts that Knuffle Bunny will someday return as a playmate for her own child.

References