Caldecott Medal Winner

Kitten's First Full Moon

by Kevin Henkes

Summary

A small kitten mistakes the full moon for a bowl of milk and tries everything she can think of to reach it, only to end up wet, tired, and disappointed. Henkes renders the chase in soft black and white gouache and colored pencil, with simple rounded shapes and gentle light that suit a bedtime read. The repeated refrain and the kitten's hopeful tumbles make a warm, reassuring story for very young children.

Historical Context & Significance

This was Kevin Henkes's first Caldecott Medal, awarded for his first book illustrated entirely in black and white.