For this reason, philosophers are naturally concerned with understanding the usefulness and limits of linguistic practices.

Humans communicate in other ways besides words, such as through emotions, signals, and body language. The idea that Trixie is unable to communicate to her father that she is missing her stuffed animal raises an interesting philosophical issue. Thus, since the mysteries of language suffuse a child’s everyday experiences, children are naturally curious about how language and communication function. While children are learning new skills in communicating by interacting with others, they are also constantly introduced to new words. A child’s educational experience is dominated by language, as everything rests upon the ability to articulate one’s thoughts successfully. Children, on the other hand, naturally puzzle over the use and role of language, similarly to how philosophers first contemplated the nature of language. Admittedly, most adults use language without serious reflection on how and why what they say can sometimes be successful in communicating their ideas and sometimes unsuccessful.

Philosophers have long argued about the nature of language and meaning. How does language shape our thoughts? What are thoughts? To what extent can we successfully communicate with others? What does it mean to know a word? These questions and many more can be discussed when using this book. Language is something that we all use, yet few reflect upon. In a world dominated by language, we rely heavily on it for communicating with those around us. Upon seeing her bunny, Trixie speaks her first words, “Knuffle Bunny.” As soon as they arrive home her mother asks, “Where’s Knuffle Bunny?” The family runs back to the laundry mat and eventually finds Trixie’s beloved stuffed animal. On the way home, Trixie realizes this and turns to her father and says, “Aggle flaggle klabble!” Her father does not understand Trixie, even after she waves her hands, points, cries, and refuses to move. She brings along her favorite stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, who then gets left behind in the washing machine. Trixie, a young girl who has not yet learned how to talk, goes on an errand to the laundromat with her father. The book Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems introduces the problems with communication and provides a framework in which to discuss several questions concerning the philosophy of language.

Clark’s Reading Corner Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion Oh no! Trixie lost her beloved Knuffle Bunny on the way to the laundromat! She can’t find the right words to explain to her father what’s wrong, and he must guess until he finds the right answer. Activity Suggestion » Summary Knuffle Bunny explores questions about our use of language and how exactly we communicate with each other.

Mo willems knuffle bunny books