Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

Written and Illustrated by: Mo Willems

Age Level: Preschool- Grade 1

Themes: 

Communication, Family, Neighborhood

Summary:

Pre-Reading Activity:
Have students bring in their favorite stuffed animal or blanket they adore. Students will use it for show and tell. Students will be encouraged to tell why they love it, where they got it, and/or how long they have had it. For students who have difficulty speaking in front of the class, or who may not be able to speak, have the parents supply this information so the teacher could help share.

Post-Reading Activity:

After reading the book, the students will make a class book about things they could not do when they were younger and things they can now do.
Students will be given 2 papers with these sentences on the bottom, allowing for illustrations to be drawn by the students.

When I was little, I could't: ___________________
Now I am big and I can ________________________

The papers will be collected an put together to make a class book.

Reflection:

This is a silly story kids love! It is funny to hear kids try to tell the dad he forgot Knuffle when he can't understand Trixie.

About the Author:

A three-time Caldecott Honor winner for Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale, and Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity, Mo Willems has also won two Geisel Medals for There is a Bird on Your Head! and Are You Ready to Play Outside? And his books are perennial New York Times bestsellers. Before he turned to children's books, Mo was a writer and animator on Sesame Street, where he won six Emmy Awards. Mo lives with his family in Massachusetts.
From: Amazon.com

The Family Book

Written and Illustrated by Todd Parr
Age level: Preschool-Grade 2
Theme: Family, Acceptance, Celebrate differences

Summary: 
The Family Book is about all types of families. It discusses the similarities and differences within every family. Some families are big, some are little, some families have 2 parents and some have step-parents, but all families like to hug each other!  This is a feel good story with colorful illustrations children will love.  This book has been banned in Illinois because it discusses a family who has same-sex parents. This bool allows children to have a better understanding that  families have differences. 

PreReading Activity:

What is a family?
Who are some people in your family?

Post Reading Activity:

Write one thing that you feel makes your own family special or different.  Talk as a class about what makes different families similar and different, and how it might feel when your family seems different from others.

Work in pairs.  Share one thing that you feel makes your own family different and special. Talk about how you think that difference makes you special.

 Draw a picture of your family. Show what makes your family different and special.
When the portraits are done, hang them in the classroom to show a family gallery. 

About the author:
Todd Parr is the author and illustrator of over 30 children's books. Parr grew up in Rock Springs, Wyoming. In 1995 he moved to San Francisco, California where he pursued a career as an artist. Wikipedia

Reflection:
I think this is a wonderful book that celebrates differences in each family. Showing children that families can be different and that it is ok can be a powerful message to children. It is a great way for students to get to know each other and to learn more about each other. This would be a wonderful activity for the beginning of the year to help create a classroom community.