Book Cover Photo Source: Barnes and Noble, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Kittens-First-Full-Moon/Kevin-Henkes/e/9780060588281/?itm=6, accessed September 14, 2008.
Bibliography
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTENS FIRST FULL MOON. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN 0060588284.
Plot Summary
In Kitten’s First Full Moon, Kevin Henkes tells the story of kittens first time to see a full moon in the sky. Kitten thinks the moon is a bowl of milk and tries desperately to get to it without success. After a long night of chasing the moon, kitten returns home to find a bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch.
Critical Analysis
This is a story for very young children who will be captivated by the illustrations and easy text. “It was Kitten’s first full moon. When she saw it, she thought, there’s a little bowl of milk in the sky. And she wanted it.” The author takes us on a journey from Kitten’s front porch, through the garden, past the field, and eventually up the highest tree she can find, trying to get the bowl of milk in the sky. Children everywhere will relate to wanting something so badly in this wonderful story.
Kevin Henkes beautiful black-and-white illustrations compliment the text perfectly. His use of wide black lines and shades of grey show us how a full moon laminates the night sky. His simple use of shape and line are easily recognizable to even the youngest of readers. The way that Kitten’s expressions change with each emotion will have children feeling the same way that Kitten does with each turn of the page.
This is a perfect book for preschool and kindergarten aged children. The uncomplicated text and charming illustrations will have them cheering for Kitten to finally reach her bowl of milk in the sky.
Review Excerpt(s)
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Henkes' text, reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown's work in the elemental words, rhythms, and appealing sounds, tells a warm, humorous story that's beautifully extended in his shimmering, gray-toned artwork.”
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure storytime success.”
Connections
This book would be a great choice when talking about shapes. There are many connections from the moon in the sky to pads of Kitten’s feet. You could also bring in the difference between night and day and talk about what happens with the earth when the sun goes down and the moon comes up.
Other Books By Kevin Henkes:
A Good Day ISBN 0061552054
Owen ISBN 0688114490
Sheila Rae the Brave ISBN 0688147380
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse ISBN 0688128971
Old Bear ISBN 0061552054
