MODULE 3:KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON

MODULE 3: CALDECOTT WINNERS

KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON

Summary:  Kitten’s First Full Moon is the tale of a very small kitten searching for an elusive bowl of milk. The bowl of milk is actually the full moon and its various reflections. The kitten attempts to lick the moon and merely gets a bug in her mouth for her effort. She follows the moon and eventually finds the reflection of the moon in the lake. In her attempt to get to the milk, she falls into the water and is very cross. Disappointed, she finds her way home and sees that there is an actual bowl of milk waiting for her.

Citation:

Henkes, K. (2004). Kitten’s first full moon. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

Impression:  Kitten’s First Full Moon is an adorable tale that makes the reader cheer for the kitten as she finally gets the milk. The pencil black and white illustrations are amazing in their ability to convey a moonlit night. The kitten’s attempts to get her treat are sweet and amusing. The book is very simple but also worthy of its Caldecott title.

Review:

Beach, D. r. (2004, October) [Book review of Kitten’s first full moon, by K. Henkes.]. Library Media

Connections. Available from the Library Media Connections website:

http://www.librarymediaconnection.com/

Unlike any other book Kevin Henkes has written, this one stands simply but strongly on a single character, Kitten-no Lily, Owen, Julius, or Chrysanthemum here. Bold brush strokes give form to simple b&w drawings, contrasting the darkness of night with the whiteness of Kitten, the moon, and the milk. Henkes tells of Kitten's quest for a bowl of milk to drink and coming up short each time. The ending harks back to Max in Where the Wild Things Are (Harper & Row, 1963) when he arrives home and finds supper waiting. Preschool students will enjoy Kitten's episodic journey as they chime in "Poor Kitten" each time she can't get her bowl of milk. Readers addicted to Henkes' mouse community will find it hard to give Kitten her deserved space. Recommended.

Uses: I have used this book in a storytime about cats and kittens. It is always a great opener and the audience is simply charmed. It could also be used in a booktalk for younger readers about storytimes and programs at the library. It is funny, poignant and a quick read so it is perfect for many occasions in or outside of the library.