A Reader in Time: Kitten's First Full Moon (Caldecott #4)

Author: Kevin Henkes

Illustrator: Kevin Henkes

Year Published: 2004

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/Harper Collins
Awards: Caldecott Medal (2005), Bulletin Blue Ribbon, ALA Notable Book, Charlotte Zolotow Award, NYT Best Illustrated Book

What did you like/dislike about the book?

Kevin Henke's book, Kitten's First Full Moon, is a tale of a spunky kitten who believes the moon to be a bowl of milk. The kitten futilely tries to get to the milk, engaging in misadventures along the way. She is finally rewarded at the end.

My favorite detail of the book is the kitten's personality. Henkes makes the kitten a lovable character whom many students could identify with, especially her curious nature and multiple attempts at completing something. I also enjoy the illustrations of the kitten's mood throughout the book. As she gets more frustrated, her expressions and body language change.

There was nothing about this book I did not like.

This book is appropriate for elementary classrooms. It can be used to discuss objects in the sky, character, similes (the moon is like a bowl of milk), and perseverance.

What in your life would have influenced this reaction/response?

I have grown up having cats in the home, so I am predisposed to like stories about them. Henkes illustrates a character so cute, it is difficult to not get engrossed in her story.

How does this book compare to similar books/author’s other books?

Henkes' other titles are well-known. He has a gift with developing endearing characters, such as Chrysanthemum, with whom children can easily identify.

What did I learn about children’s literature from this book?

Character development can be done in a few short pages. Children (and adults) can identify with characters who have failures in their lives. Animals continue to be a popular topic of choice in children's literature.

Other titles by this author include:

Chrysanthemum

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Wemberly Worried