1. Bibliography
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. Kitten’s First Full Moon. United States
2. Plot Summary
Kitten loves a bowl of milk. On her first full moon she mistakes the moon for a yummy bowl of milk and ends up working hard only to discover that everything she wants is waiting for her elsewhere.
3. Critical Analysis
A basic story with what appears to be simple pictures, Kittens First Full Moon is a fun story for a young audience. By using gouache and colored pencils (Henkes), Kevin Henkes is able to create an unusual look to his painterly artwork. The simple design and grayscale coloring allows the reader to be drawn more to the action in the pictures than to elaborate colors and extensive details. The story itself is told in a more simplistic manner leaving the reader to enjoy the action more. The picture books focus remains on kitten’s desire for milk throughout the entirety giving the story a central plot that moves the tale from page to page.
4. Reviews
Winner of the Caldecott Award
NewYork Times Book Review; “His drawing style is rowdy, exuberant, equal parts late Arnold Lobel and early Maurice Sendak. His heroes are admirably tenacious, plucky and equal to whatever task, lesson or sorrow Mr. Henkes supplies of them. His writing is concise wit that is rare in children’s books…. There is also an emotional context to Mr. Henke’s picture-book work that equally rare…. His work rings true.”
From School Library Journal; “…Repetitive phrases introduce each sequence of desire, action, and consequence, until the animal's instincts lead her home to a satisfying resolution. Done in a charcoal and cream-colored palette, the understated illustrations feature thick black outlines, pleasing curves, and swiftly changing expressions that are full of nuance. The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure storytime success. Kids will surely applaud this cat's irrepressible spirit.”
5. Connections
* Look at other books by Kevin Henkes, and determine if he likes to keep both the stories and drawings simple in other books as well.
* Using props (such as a story board or puppets) retell the story showing kittens troubles as she tries to reach for the moon.
* Make an artistic picture of the moon.
* Other predictable books:
Martin, Bill. Fire! Fire! Said Mrs. McGuire. Ill.
Rosen, Michael J. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Ill.
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