Kitten's First Full Moon

by Kevin Henkes

Book Overview

This nationally bestselling picture book about a kitten, the moon, and a bowl of milk, written by the celebrated author and illustrator Kevin Henkes, was awarded a Caldecott Medal.

From one of the most celebrated and beloved picture book creators working in the field today comes a memorable new character and a suspenseful adventure just right for reading and sharing at home and in the classroom. It is Kitten's first full...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060588284
• ISBN13: 9780060588281
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.2" x 10.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

We love Kevin Henkes

He uses just enough words to get you into the scene, but otherwise lets his charming pictures do the talking. My 2 year old loves this book, he even gives kitten a kiss when she's looking sad and hungry.

I'm 19 now and this is one of my altime favorite books since childhood.

I have loved this book since before I could read. I bought a copy for myself at 19 years old because I loved it so much. It is masterfully done and even great for a kid who hasnt learned to read yet because the lovely illustrations help tell the story so well!

Even toddlers enjoy "Kitten's First Full Moon"

As a librarian, I bought "Kitten's First Full Moon" because it was the 2005 Caldecott winner. I have an 18-month-old grandson, however, and it's been a favorite of his since his first birthday and I was a bit surprised. So even though he's a little younger than the usual range for Caldecott books, I would recommend it for younger children as well. By the way, it's also on the Texas 2x2 list (2 years-2nd grade) from the Texas Library Assn. Vona Van Cleef, librarian/gramma

What a night!

This is another book (like Fledgling, previously reviewed) which isn't obviously charming when glanced through but comes into its own in the read-aloud. It gained a lot of attention for its illustrations but I think the story line is even better. The simple text is charming and perfect. You can't help but hold your breath as you follow along with Kitten's ups and downs, trying valiantly to reach that "little bowl of milk, just waiting" in the sky. And, of course, the happy ending with its fairy tale quality... who can help but believe that those who truly deserve it find their happiness in good time. Buy this book for the science of it (full moon, reflections) or for the fun of it, but don't hold back. I give it a million gold stars.

Great book for beginning readers!

This cute story of a kitten thinking the full moon is a big bowl of milk and her wriggling, tumbling, chasing, climbing, and leaping after it reminds me of childhood imagination, curiousity, exploration and discovery. Kitten's First Full Moon has a fun underlying message of encouragement to go after our dreams! Usually children love colorfully illustrated books. Kitten's First Full Moon, done in black and white with variations of gray shades, grants it to stand out in memory as being different and enables it to receive greater attention, as it is a story that occurs at night. (So black and white makes sense.) The bold, thick black lettering on starch white paper makes it easy for a child to read with confidence. The sentences are of varying length and the story is written so that it keeps children turning pages to find out what the kitten will do next. The many changes of illustrations from one on a full page, to five long ones, to a two page spread with only one small picture on each and more, adds to the visual interest of KFFM. The Caldecott Medal Winner of 2005. Enjoy it! Soar!

I'm glad

Hi. During school some kids (including me) have been asked if we could be in a Caldecott reading group. In this reading group we have to read 25 of the books that were entered in the Caldecott award. At the end we were supposed to pick a book that we thought should win. My friends, Haleigh and Marissa were in a group with me. we decided to do an essay on the book Kittens First Full Moon. We did a little presantation in front of the reading class and we also shared our thoughts about the book. We even shared what we thought aboout the black and white pictures, few words and even te cute little Kitten. This reading class was fun and i hope that maybe next time (if there is a next time) you will choose the same book i did again. I had fun writing this paragraph. I really enjoy the book Kittens First Full Moon. Thank You. -Emily-

A SOON TO BE CLASSIC!

Kitten's first Full Moon is certain to become a new classic for the K and pre-K kid set. A departure from other children's books in that it doesn't rely on eye-jolting color's to catch your childs eye but rather it is drawn superbly in white, black, and shades of gray. Despite the lack of color, I found my two year old enjoying it very much and he was extremely attentive. The book tells the story of a little kitten who sees a full moon for the first time in his life. She thinks it's a bowl full of milk and with humor and a lot of charm, proceeeds to try and get to that bowl by jumping, climbing a tree, etc. All very delightful. Just a great new kids book that I'm sure will be on bookshelfs for a long, long time!