KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON by Kevin Henkes

KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON by Kevin Henkes

Book Review: Picture Book
KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON by Kevin Henkes

Bibliography
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON. Greenwillow Books. ISBN 0060588284

Plot Summary
Poor kitten mistakes the full moon in the darkened sky for a little bowl of milk. Kitten spends her evening trying to taste the “milk” but ends up eating a bug, pinching her tail, and getting all wet in her thirsty pursuit. Kitten finally gives up and finds herself receiving a satisfying surprise.

Critical Analysis
Henkes’ writing is simple and charming in this sweet story about a naive little kitten. The reader is drawn in throughout the story while trying to guess what kitten might do next. The author succinctly writes the story in an easy to read manner that makes the reader feel sad for kitten’s misfortunes.

The story warms the heart with the soft pencil drawings in black and gray which effectively portray kitten’s feelings during her pursuit. The degree of shadings capture the surroundings bathed in moonlight. Throughout the story, we see the distance between the kitten and the moon highlighted by the vast whiteness between the two.

This book makes for a superb bedtime story.

Personal Response

My daughter Olivia, who is ten, picked up this book because of the adorable, kitten on the front cover. She laughed at the funny antics of the kitten and smiled happily upon finishing the book. She immediately wished she was able to read this book to her 1 1/2 year old cousin in Atlanta. In my eyes, this response from Olivia is exactly what makes a book a good book! One that you would like to read again and share!

Review Excerpts
2005 Caldecott Medal

“Henkes' text, reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown's work in the elemental words, rhythms, and appealing sounds, tells a warm, humorous story…” -Booklist (starred review)

“The rhythmic text and delightful artwork ensure story time success. Kids will surely applaud this cat's irrepressible spirit.” –School Library Journal

Connections
Encourage readers to share their thoughts and feelings about a time that they experienced something new for the first time.

If young children, have the readers act like the kitten as the story is read.

Read other books by Kevin Henkes.
CHRYSANTHEMUM. ISBN 0688147321
A WEEKEND WITH WENDELL. ISBN 0688140246
LILY’S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE. ISBN 0688128971

Other books for children regarding social situations: new experiences
Rosenberry, Vera. VERA’S NEW SCHOOL. ISBN 0805076131
Horacek, Petr. A NEW HOUSE FOR MOUSE. ISBN 0763625175
Berenstain, Stan and Jan Berenstain. THE BERENSTAIN BEARS GO OUT FOR THE TEAM. ISBN 0394873386

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

DOOBY DOOBY MOO by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

DOOBY DOOBY MOO by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

Book Review: Picture Book
DOOBY DOOBY MOO by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

Bibliography
Cronin, Doreen, and Betsy Lewin. 2006. DOOBY DOOBY MOO. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689845073

Plot Summary
Cronin and Lewin, the super-duo are at it again with the hilarious antics of Farmer Brown’s animals! Duck and the barnyard animals have a new passion, performing at the county fair talent show to win the coveted top prize! Farmer Brown can barely attend to his chores, as he knows from past experiences that the animals are usually up to something. Having met duck, cows, sheep and pigs in prior books by Cronin and Lewin, the reader will enjoy another wacky adventure in this clever series!

Critical Analysis
Cronin and Lewin bring the same characters back from their previous books, CLICK CLACK MOO, COWS THAT TYPE and GIGGLE GIGGLE QUACK in this lively, humorous read aloud. Their writing is concise and varies from typed words to handwritten responses throughout the story. The authors provide legal terms and conditions that may not be understood by children, but will provide a smile from adults reading this book. The humor in this book is found throughout the story and provides for a quick giggle session.

The illustrations consist of watercolors that brightly shade within bold outlines. The book offers minimalistic pictures as well as panoramic backgrounds. The sketches mesh beautifully with the light-hearted, cleaver story.

This book is meant to be shared between the novice and experienced reader as the repetition of the animals, sounds and songs can be read by both.

Personal Response

I loved this book and would highly recommend it to any elementary school teacher! To picture the animals bouncing on a trampoline brings a smile to my face everytime! Cronin and Lewin capture audiences of all ages with their books. There is just something about animals with attitudes!

Review Excerpts
Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best

Colorado Children's Book Award Master List NAPPA Gold Award Winner

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award

“Comical watercolor illustrations provide the punch lines to many jokes within the well-paced text.” -School Library Journal

“The clever, deadpan story is fun, but the droll illustrations, strong strokes of black lines washed with watercolors, ratchet the comedy up a notch or two.”
-Booklist

Connections
Divide the class into groups of ducks, sheep, cows and pigs. Act and sing the parts while the teacher plays the role of Farmer Brown.

Explain to the reader what interpretive dance is and provide students with Mars Bonfires “Born To Be Wild” recording.

Read other books by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin:
GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK. ISBN 0689845065
CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE. ISBN 0689832133

Introduce children to other funny animal series such as: by Eileen Christelow
Christelow, Eileen. FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED ISBN: 0395900239
Christelow, Eileen. FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS SITTING IN A TREE ISBN: 0395664136
Christelow, Eileen. FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS WASH THE CAR. ISBN: 061848602X
Photo courtesy of http://www.amazon.com/