Knuffle Bunny & More Great Childhood Adventure Stories (2007)

Knuffle Bunny etc. is a delightful compilation of six children's storybooks, each presented with original illustrations that are enhanced by transitional animation plus fine narrator and character voices. I wasn't previously acquainted with any of the stories in print form though I can understand how Knuffle Bunny is so popular and a Caldecott Honor book. (1) Knuffle Bunny, written and illustrated by Mo Willems, is voiced by the actual father, mother, and daughter of the authorial family. Cute as the dickens, Knuffle Bunny is a real charmer (esp. for tots and tykes)! 4.5 stars. (2) Written by Carl Best and illustrated by Giselle Potter, Shrinking Violet's illustrations have a quasi-Russian caricature style and their limited animation (gently bobbing heads, torsos, and limbs) gives them a bobblesque surrealism that fits well. Moreover, the story (narrated by Calista Flockhart) is a good one for children in primary to middle school because of the theme, which is how to deal with ridicule and self-consciousness. 3.5 stars. (3) Possum Magic, written and narrated by Mem Fox and illustrated by Julie Vivas, has wonderfully drawn animal illustrations; every one looks as fuzzy as you'd expect, even the magically invisible baby Hush. Even better than the Australian author/narrator, the didgeridoo soundtrack is understated yet unforgettable. 4 stars. (4) Planting a Rainbow, written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert, is a beautiful choral poem of bright colors and botanical variety. 4 stars. (5) Lindsay Crouse narrates Brave Irene, written and illustrated by William Steig, where a sick seamstress's daughter battles a snowstorm to deliver a fancy dress to the duchess. 3.5 stars. (6) David de Vries narrates Will I Have a Friend?, written by Miriam Cohen and illustrated by Lillian Hoban, where Jim ponders and finds a friend on his first day at kindergarten. 3 stars. This collection is a read-along DVD. Overall 3.5 stars.