 Author of the Month
|
|
Kevin Henkes |
b. November 12, 1960 Biography | Books | Awards and Honors |
In the Classroom | Bulletin Board
A special thanks to William Morrow's Children's Books Kevin HenkesI remember drawing at a very early age. I loved it. And my parents and teachers told me I was good at it-that made me love it all the more. I also loved books, and the ones I was lucky enough to own were reread, looked at over and over, and regarded with great respect. To me "great respect" meant that I took them everywhere, and the ones I still own prove it. They're brimming with all the telltale signs of true love: dog-eared pages, fingerprints on my favorite illustrations, my name and address inscribed on both front and back covers in inch-high crayon lettering, and the faint smell of stale peanut butter on the bindings. I wondered about authors and illustrators back then-What did they look like? Where did they live? Did they have families? How old were they?-but I never imagined that one day I would be one myself. I became an author-illustrator when I was nineteen years old. I flew from my home in Racine, Wisconsin, to New York City with my portfolio, hoping to find a publisher. And magically enough Susan Hirschman at Greenwillow Books made my dreams come true. My first picture book, All Alone, was published in 1981. Since then I've written and illustrated many picture books and written several novels. I like the variety of trying new ways to fill the pages between two covers. Experimenting with words and paint and ink keeps my job interesting. I used to live with my parents and brothers and sister and work at a card table in my bedroom. Now I live with my wife, my son, and my daughter in our own house and work at a drawing table in my own studio. I never thought I'd be lucky enough to be a real author and illustrator. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Selection of Awards and Honors
In the ClassroomRead aloud Chrysanthemum to the class. Ask your students to find out the background of their names and have them share their discoveries with the class. Then, ask each child to make a name card for his/her desk, incorporating in their artwork what they have learned about their names.
Kevin Henkes' BooksHere is a selected list of the author's published work.
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can't wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. Lilly's fury leads to revenge and then to remorse and she sets out to make amends. "The whole book, art and text, is lovingly layered to express the mixed emotions that all of us experience. That Henkes is able to bring this perplexity-and its sometimes sweet solutions-to a child's level is his gift."-Booklist
Julius, the Baby of the World "Julius is the baby of the world," say his parents. Lilly, his older sister, thinks Julius is a disgusting germ. Her mind is made up until her cousin says a thing or two, and Lilly claims him for her own. "Henkes displays a deep understanding of sibling rivalry and a child's fragile self-esteem....Lilly is a superb and timely heroine."-Publishers Weekly
Owen Owen loves his yellow blanket, Fuzzy, and takes it everywhere. When Owen is about to start school, their neighbor offers advice to Owen's parents about how to eliminate Fuzzy, but Owen foils each attempt. Then his mother comes up with the perfect plan that makes everyone happy. "Most children have a beloved possession that adults expect them to give up, and Owen is sure to become their champion."-School Library Journal
Chyrsanthemum She was a perfect baby with the perfect name, Chrysanthemum. And she loved it-until her first day of school. Her classmates make fun of her name and Chrysanthemum wilts. What will make her blossom again? "Few illustrators write as well as they draw; Kevin Henkes demonstrates once again that he belongs to that select company."-Horn Book
Sheila Rae, the Brave Sheila Rae isn't afraid of anything-until she tries a new way to walk home and gets lost. Then, scaredy-cat little sister Louise comes to the rescue.
"Children will love it."-School Library Journal
Chester's Way Chester and Wilson are set in their ways and they do everything together. They are two of a kind, and that's the way they like it-until Lilly moves into the neighborhood. "Henkes's vision of friendship captures the essence of the childlike...every sentence is either downright funny or dense with playful, deadpan humor...."-Publishers Weekly
A Weekend with Wendell Young mouse Sophie does not enjoy bossy, prankish Wendell's visit until she makes up a game that leaves Wendell speechless-and wins the day for friendship. "A hilarious read-aloud that could prove a turning point in the life of a bossy child-or a mousy one."-Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Jessica A shy preschooler insists that her friend Jessica is not imaginary-and, in the end, she's absolutely correct. "Henkes' upbeat story is highlighted by sprightly illustrations that seem to bounce off the pages. Precision writing and a crisp, clean layout combine for a story with a totally satisfying ending and sure-fire child appeal."-School Library Journal Welcome to the Children's Literature Bulletin Board!Use this bulletin board to communicate with others who use and love children's literature. Share a book you just came across. Ask for recommendations or reactions. Take advantage of the resource beyond ChildLit -- those who use it! |
