KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON by Kevin Henkes
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Henkes, K. 2004. KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON. USA: Greenwillow Books.
ISBN: 0-06-058828-4 (trade) ISBN:0-06-058829-2 (lib. bdg.)
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
Kitten sees her first full moon and mistakes it for a little bowl of milk. Unable to reach the bowl, she fixes her attention on the larger bowl of milk she sees in the pond. Defeated, she returns home only to discover a bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This simple story of a kitten’s search for a bowl of milk one moonlit night will charm any reader. The adorable pictures are the perfect accompaniment to the story plot. The illustrations and text work together seamlessly to tell the tale of a kitten’s search for a bowl of milk. Kitten’s emotions are easy to read, providing young readers yet another means to understand the rollercoaster of emotions present in this tale.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
· Winner of several awards including the Caldecott Medal
· THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW raves “His drawing style is rowdy, exuberant, equal parts late Arnold Lobel and early Maurice Sendak. His heroes are admirably tenacious, plucky and equal to whatever task, lesson or sorrow Mr. Henkes supplies for them. His writing has a concise wit that is rare in children’s books…There is also an emotional context to Mr. Henkes’s picture-book work that is equally rare…His work rings true.”
· The author and illustrator himself states “Illustrating Kitten was enjoyable, more enjoyable than I had any right to expect.”
· Common Sense Media wants parents to know that the plot is “uncluttered and direct.”
· Best Children’s Books pronounces “Kitten's First Full Moon
5. CONNECTIONS
· Give each child a photo of the moon during different phases, weather, color etc. and have them write a response as to what they might imagine the moon to be.
· Discuss the roller coaster of emotions Kitten feels in this story. Lead children in a discussion of kitten’s different emotions throughout the book. Have children share about a time when they were excited, surprised, let down, defeated, relieved etc.
· Gather other books written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes for an author study. Note use of animal characters in his work.
o Henkes, K. Wemberly Worried. ISBN-10: 0061857769 ISBN-13: 978-0061857768
o Henkes, K. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. ISBN-10: 0688128971 ISBN-13: 978-0688128975
o Henkes, K. Chrysanthemum. ISBN-10: 0688147321 ISBN-13: 978-0688147327
· This story is great for predictions. The back cover itself even lends itself towards some great predictions.
· Great for sequencing lesson and using key words such as first, then, next, finally.
LEONARDO THE TERRIBLE MONSTER by Mo Willems
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Willems, M. 2005. LEONARDO THE TERRIBLE MONSTER. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN: 0-7868-5294-1
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
Leonardo is terrible at being a monster. He can’t seem to scare anyone. Fed up, Leonardo sets out to find the perfect candidate for scaring. Rather than scaring the “tuna salad” out of him though, he makes the decision to be his friend instead.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The eccentric illustrations and placement of text found in LEONARDO THE TERRIBLE MONSTER creates a fun reading experience. Following Leonardo on his journey of self-discovery and watching as he decides to become a wonderful friend oppose to a terrible monster is heartwarming. Children can relate to the range of emotions present in this tale, and a wonderful teachable moment is clearly evident in the plot.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
· School Library Journal declares “Willems' familiar cartoon drawings work hand in glove with the brief text to tell this perfectly paced story.”
· Book List says “A winner for story hours, with plenty of discussion possibilities.”
· Author of the blog kidslitinformation says “Willems is a master at facial expression.”
6. CONNECTIONS
· Have children create their own monster puppet using a lunch sack, construction paper, and coloring materials. Will it have “1, 642 teeth, like Tony” or will it be “Just plain weird, like Hector?” Have children write an extension ending with the inclusion of the new character.
· Gather other books written and illustrated by Mo Willems for an author study. Note the unique drawings and use of expressions in his characters. Reference
o Willems, M. THE PIGEON WANTS A PUPPY. ISBN-10: 1423109600
o Willems, M. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale ISBN-10: 0786818700 ISBN-13: 978-0786818709
o Willems, M. Should I Share My Ice Cream? ISBN-10: 1423143434 ISBN-13: 978-1423143437
· The theme of Friendship between Sam and Leonardo can be carried over with other books such as
o Bloom, S. A SPLENDID FRIENDSHIP INDEED. ISBN-10: 159078488X ISBN-13: 978-1590784884
o Howe, J. HORACE, MORRIS, AND MOSTLY DELORES. ISBN-10: 068985675X ISBN-13: 9
o 6.40 78-0689856754
o Keller, H. HELP!: A STORY OF FRIENDSHIP. ISBN-10: 0061239135 ISBN-13: 978-0061239137
· This book lends itself to a cause and effect lesson revealed during Sam’s rant. Brother broke toy Sam’s toy so he kicked the table. His foot them hurt because he kicked the table etc. Reference other books such as
o Carle, E. THE GROUCHY LADY BUG. ISBN-10: 0064434508 ISBN-13: 978-0064434508
o Numeroff, L. IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE. ISBN-10: 0061128562 ISBN-13: 978-0061128561
o Viorst, J. ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY. ISBN-10: 1416985956 ISBN-13: 978-1416985952
o Shannon, D. A BAD CASE OF STRIPES. ISBN-10: 0439023289 ISBN-13: 978-0439023283
SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE by William Steig
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Steig, W. 1969. SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 0-671-66154-X
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
Sylvester Duncan, a donkey with a habit of collecting rocks of varying shapes and color, stumbles upon a rather extraordinary find one rainy day. He soon discovers that his new perfectly, perfect pebble is magical and produces amazing results. However, when rushing back to share his find, he is frightened and asks the magic pebble to turn him into a rock. He is unable to hold the pebble and wish himself back to normal again until a surprising turn of events takes place.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
William Steig has created a picture book that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. The simple, but unique wording pairs well with the quirky illustrations. Together as a whole, the two elements create an award winning combination. The illustrations match appropriately with the wording creating an easily understood but enjoyable experience for young readers, while the suspenseful plot catches the interest of the more advanced reader.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
· 1970 Caldecott Medal Winner
· THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW raves that "everything he does is magic."
· Mark O. (age 8) from Spaghetti Book Club says “I enjoyed the illustrations and the story plot. It keeps you in suspense until the end!”
· Common Sense Media wants parents to know that “Steig's drawings capture the animals' emotions perfectly, as Sylvester learns that a simple wish can sometimes backfire, but love can overcome all.”
· Through the looking Glass states that “this book illustrates one of the most profound themes in literature: all we really need in life is love.”
5. CONNECTIONS
· Spray paint a small pebble with red spray paint. Have the children describe what they would have wished for in Sylvester’s situation. Encourage the children to take the pebble home and share the story plot with their parents. Suggest that the children share what they would wish for and have them ask their parents to do the same.
· This book lends itself to a book study of the well-known “be careful what you wish for” theme. Reference books such as
o Isadora, R. THE FISHERMAN AND HIS WIFE. ISBN-10: 0399247718 ISBN-13: 978-0399247712
o Willems, M. THE PIGEON WANTS A PUPPY. ISBN-10: 1423109600
o Kimmel, E. MY PENGUIN OSBERT. ISBN-10: 0763616990
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