Leave it to children to demand real practice in listening and communication. Rather than incessantly correcting them, we accept their words and responds to the intended meaning.Īs early communicators, children use facial expressions, gestures, and even “tantrums” to get their point across - forcing us to really listen to understand. A child who uses “hobodoctor” in place of helicopter and “basgetti” in place of spaghetti can still be understood. They invent their own combinations of syllables for words and yet, if we listen, we understand. Language is such an interesting topic to consider with children. Can we train ourselves to consider the underlying meaning of it all? What are all the ways we communicate our ideas, values, and emotions with one another? What messages would we find and how would they be similar or different to what was said? In the adult world of politics and news, the meaning of words can be twisted, facts distorted for a some purpose. Our words may not express the same exact ideas, but how can we transcend that and listen to understand? How much does it matter? How many of us are calling this story “Knuffle Bunny” with the silent k and yet others know what story we are talking about?Įither way you pronounce it, most of us who have read this story understand Trixie’s dilemma. This got us thinking about mistakes in language and communication. And it's pronounced k-nuffle (ph), but I misspelled it.” How frustrating! Don’t worry, though, her family doesn’t give up and together they solve a mystery AND Trixie reveals her first (recognizable) word!ĭid you know that k-nuffle bunny means snuggle bunny? It does! In an interview with NPR Willems says, “It's a Dutch word that means hug or snuggle.

Despite her very best efforts to communicate with her dad, she continues to be misunderstood. “Knuffle Bunny” (pronounced k-nuffle) is great story by Mo Willems about a resilient little girl, Trixie.

The knuffle bunny