Author Spotlight - Kevin Henkes

My students grapple with lots of issues in the school where I teach. That is one of the reasons I like Kevin Henkes's work. Henkes (pronounced HENK-us) speaks to a number of issues in many of his children's books. And even though my students are a bit older than the youngsters in Henkes's stories, they love using the experiences of his characters as a springboard to write about their own issues.

My favorite book is Chrysanthemum in which character of the same name loves her name - it is the most perfect name for the most perfect little girl - until she gets to school and her name is teased and twisted so that it is no longer perfect. (How many of us have not had our names rhymed with something not-so-pleasant or had clever friends who figured out that by changing a letter or two, our name became something totally different?) Suddenly, school, which had seemed so exciting to little Chrysanthemum was no longer fun. And then Chrysanthemum and the rest of the students met Mrs. Twinkle, the special teacher who was able right the world again for Chrysanthemum. (I hope to be such a teacher for my kids!)

Henkes's Caldecott Honor Book Owen is the cute story of a little boy about to start school - but what to do about his blanket that he carries everywhere? Mrs. Tweezers, Owen's neighbor, has lots of "good" ideas for Owen's parents about how to separate Owen from his beloved blanket, but fortunately Owen's mom comes up with the best idea of all.

In Wemberly Worried, poor little Wemberly worries about everything all the time. Surely no one will come to her birthday party; then when they all do, she worries about not having enough cake for everyone. Her biggest worry of all was starting school. Wemberly's experience on the first day results in a miracle. (I won't need to read this book to my little Corbyn. Examples: ME: Corbyn, I can't find your Thomas train. HIM: Don't worry, Nonna. We'll find it later. ME: Corbyn, your bacon fell on the floor so you can't eat it. HIM: Don't worry, Nonna. I can just blow on it. ~Yikes!)

And finally, every school age child should read and think about what happens to best friends Chester and Wilson when a new kid comes to their neighborhood in Chester's Way. In fact, big people should probably read this one, too!

These books fall into Henkes's "mouse books," which are my favorites. But he has many other books, including some which are illustrated by others.

In 2005, Henkes won the Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon, which is for very young children. The year before, in 2004, Henkes's young adult novel Olive's Ocean received the Newbery Honor, making Henkes one of the rare author/illustrators to have been recognized by both awards. Check out his website - there is a link to a great review of this author that was published in the New York Times in which Henkes was referred to as a "genius." I think I would have to agree!

http://www.kevinhenkes.com/