Knuffle Bunny free by Mo Willems

Walker, 2011. ISBN 9781406336498.
(Age 2-5) Recommended. Trixie and her family are off to Holland to visit her grandparents. They have a wonderful trip on the plane, and it is not until the next day that Trixie realises that Knuffle Bunny has been left on the plane. When her father rings the airport, he discovers that the plane is on its way to China.
Pictures of Trixie, Knuffle Bunny and her family are superimposed on black and white photos from around the world and this makes for a wonderful opportunity for children to explore both the real world and use their imagination. I was captivated with the portrayal of the trip, the taxi ride to the airport, going through security, the waiting around and finally the plane trip itself. For parents who are planning going on a holiday by plane this would make a perfect book to familiarise young children with what to expect and also to help them to remember to get all their toys from the plane's seat pocket. The photos also give a great background to the Netherlands and the centre page foldout shows all the wonderful places around the world that Knuffle Bunny could be visiting.
The story itself is a wonderful example of family love and a young girl beginning to grow up a little and realising that she may have to part with beloved toys. I loved the ending and so will people who are reading this story to young children.
Pat Pledger