Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

1. Bibliography
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON. USA: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060588292

2. Plot Summary
A little kitten sitting outside the house notices a small bowl of milk in the sky. She then attempts to reach the bowl by chasing after it. When the kitten then decides to climb a tree and spots a bigger bowl of milk on the ground. After diving into the lake with a reflection of the moon she heads home. When arriving home it ends happily with the discovery of a real bowl of milk is sitting on the porch.

3. Critical Analysis

Kevin Henkes does a wonderful job creating a story that has one kitten focused on a bowl of milk. The writing is direct and organized in a way that will keep children waiting anxiously for the kitten to reach her goal of finding the milk. After several attempts, the kitten finally returns home to find a bowl sitting on her front porch.

The illustrations come alive with the black and white coloring and an outlining done in heavy black. Circles are used in images throughout the pages, for example, the moon or the kitten’s eyes. Children will be enthralled with the make up of the simple, but eye catching illustrations. Children will enjoy the humorous events the kitten endures, while escaping into the dazzling illustrations.

4. Review Excerpt(s)
2005 Caldecott Winner (best illustrations)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure storytime success”

5. Connections

*Other picture book by Kevin Henkes
LILY'S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE. ISBN 0688128971
WEMBERLEY WORRIED. ISBN 0688170277
*Similar books
Lehman, Barbara. THE RED BOOK. ISBN 0618428585
Willems, Mo. KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY TALE. ISBN 0786818700