KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON by Kevin Henkes

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. Kitten’s First Full Moon. United States: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 2003012564

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This story is about a playful kitten’s mishaps as she attempts to reach the full moon, which she mistakes for a big bowl of milk. Despite her comical failed attempts, Kitten’s efforts are rewarded with a bowl of milk from her owner in the end.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The plot of the story is not particularly original, as there are many (especially folktales) in which the moon is mistaken for food (often cheese) and a character tries to reach it and/or is foiled by its reflection in the water. Also, the brevity and simplicity of the text/vocabulary limits the story to a younger audience, perhaps to toddler and preschool aged children. Without the benefit of the illustrations, this story would be mediocre at best.

There are two aspects of this book, however, that make it exceptional and worthy of the Caldecott Medal. First, the gouache and colored pencil illustrations are drawn in black, white and shades of gray- almost perfectly mimicking the scenes as they would be viewed on a moonlit night. In this way, readers feel like they are really watching the events as they unfold. During a time when many picture books are brightly illustrated to the point of being overwhelming or gaudy, Henkes artwork is refreshing and unique.

Second, Henkes has a talent for portraying character. Kitten’s lively and naïve personality is revealed through his drawings more so than through the accompanying text. He has also succeeded in capturing the true nature of a kitten through his realistic depiction of her actions- licking, jumping, falling, stalking, running, climbing, pouncing, sleeping…That he has done his research on feline behavior is apparent. Kitten is a funny and lovable character that will delight children and adults alike.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
From School Library Journal:
“The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure storytime success. Kids will surely applaud this cat's irrepressible spirit.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*This book would be appropriate with other cat-themed (Millions of Cats- ISBN 0399233156 by Wanda Gag or Have You Seen My Cat?- ISBN 0689817312 by Eric Carle) or moon-themed (Moongame- ISBN 0689835183 by Frank Asch or Goodnight Moon- ISBN 0694003611 by Margaret Wise Brown) books.
*Sing “My Kitten”
*Fingerplay “Five Little Kittens”
*Games- copycat and mother cat
*Cat/kitten poetry
*Kevin Henkes author study- other titles or series