Kitten's First Full Moon

Bibliography-
Henkes, Kevin. 2005. KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON. Ill. by Kevin Henkes. New York: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN: 0060588284.

Plot Summary-
In Kitten's First Full Moon, Henkes introduces the reader to a curious and adventurous kitten who when she encounters her first full moon mistakes it for a bowl of milk instead. Henkes leads the reader on a journey with the kitten as she tries to reach the bowl of milk. Kitten chases the moon through fields, gardens and even up a tree until she spies the moon's reflection in a lake. After jumping in the lake, Kitten returns home to a bowl of milk waiting for on the porch.

Critical Analysis-
Kevin Henkes' story is full of humor and adventure. Kitten's first full moon's chronicles the story of a kitten on a journey to reach a bowl of milk while encountering struggles and setbacks along the way. Readers of any age can identify with Kitten's inquisitive and adventurous spirit as well relate to the daily struggles and frustrations of life. Children will especially enjoy the story because of it's interactive nature. Henke's line, “Still, there was the little bowl of milk, just waiting.” occurs repeatedly throughout the story which invites children to participate in the storytelling. The story ends with Kitten returning home to a bowl of milk waiting for her suggesting that with persistence, an unwavering spirit, and hard work eventually has its rewards.
Kevin Henke's not only wrote this story but illustrated it as well. Henkes' illustrations are done in watercolors and colored pencils using only black, white, and gray setting the scene for an evening adventure. The illustrations serve to strengthen the playful and adventurous nature of Kitten showing her crouching to attack the moon and clinging to life as she climbs up a tree. Henkes' also brings much humor to the story with the many expressions he gives Kitten. The wide-eyed look of Kitten after she accidentally eats a bug and finds her self stuck in a tree cause the reader to empathize with Kitten's plight. Also, the moon appears sometimes in plain sight, sometimes in the corner of the page just out of reach, and other times in the reflection of a lake. The presence of the moon on almost every page suggest that the moon is just as much a character in the story as Kitten. The moon could easily represent unattainable goals or the daily struggles life sometimes presents.

Review Excerpts-
2005 Caldecott Winner
School Library Journal: "The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure story-time success. Kids will surely applaud this cat's irrepressible spirit."
Publishers Weekly: “The narrative and visual pacing will keep children entranced, and the determined young heroine and her comical quest will win them over”

Connections-
1. Kitten's first full Moon would be an excellent for children of any age as well of adults. It simplistic yet classic story and illustrations are timeless and easily relatable. This story would be great for children who are having a difficult time learning a new task. Also, it would be a wonderful choice for story-time because it invites children to participate with the story because of the repetitive line and also encourages readers to predict whats going to occur next in the story.
2. Read other books written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes such as, A GOOD DAY. ISBN: 006114018X and OLD BEAR. ISBN: 0061552054.