Kitten's First Full Moon by: Kevin Henkes

Title: Kitten's first full moon
Author: Kevin Henkes.

ISBN-13: 978-0-06-058829-8

ISBN-10: 0-06-058829-2

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, p2004, c2004
Classifications: Fiction/Easy
Interest/Reading: Levels: K-3, 2.7

Book Summary:   

A little kitten sees  his first full moon and, to his delight, believes it to be a large bowl of milk just waiting for him. No matter what his attempts: jumping, stretching, climbing trees, running through fields; that bowl is still there waiting and unobtainable.  Finally the kitten jumps into a lake thinking he has caught the “milk” and finds himself soaking wet,  and still hungry with the moon’s reflection floating all around him.   How will the kitten ever, ever feel better? Read this story and find out!

My Thoughts

In a world of children’s books that are vibrant and colorful, this little black and white illustrated book might get lost. However, it would be a crime to never pick it up to read.  The facial expressions on the little kitten are as endearing as the “boxed” pictures that follow a sequence of events both forward and backward.  The kitten’s antics on trying to reach the moon, only to fail,  is a theme even the youngest of children can relate to.  Readers will continually nod at how it is to feel frustrated and will utter “awah” over each of the kitten’s failed attempts.   The repetitive words and highly detailed pictures make this a must have for any library!

Library Toolbox of Tips and Tricks:

• Read Aloud:  This is probably one of the best read aloud for young children.  Excellent conversation starter for discussion difficult school tasks. Has anyone ever felt frustrated with reading? When? Did it ever get better?

• Cross-curriculum science connection:               Ask the students, why does the kitten jump in the lake? Reflections can be a tricky thing, and the moon reflecting on the surface of the water tricks the poor kitten into thinking the bowl of milk is within reach. Talk about reflection with the students.  Create a combined lesson with the science/math specialist or classroom teacher using compact mirrors and let your students create reflections of objects around the library. Discuss reflection and symmetry. Provide a list of books or display other books that discuss symmetry and reflections.

References:

Image:  Kitten’s first full moon [cover image]. Retrieved from: 
      http://www.titlewave.com/cover?FLR=28518Q9&
      SID=79b56215c03646225b2f2feda8c49277&type=cover