This is picture book gold. Mo Willems nailed the universal toddler experience of losing a beloved stuffed animal, and the innovative illustration style makes it visually distinctive even after hundreds of readings.

The story works on multiple levels—toddlers see themselves in Trixie's wordless panic, parents recognize the 'oh crap' moment when Dad realizes what happened, and older kids remember their own comfort object attachments. The Brooklyn laundromat setting grounds it in real-world texture that feels authentic.

At 4.9 stars on Amazon and Caldecott Honor recognition, this is a modern classic that's still completely relevant 20+ years later. It's the rare picture book that entertains adults as much as kids, mostly because Willems captures parenting chaos so perfectly. Highly recommended.