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April 18, 2009 | 15 Comments

Author Showcase: Kevin Henkes

I collect children’s books, many of my recommendations come from my home library. I scour thrift stores, garage sales and library discard piles for books. When I find a Kevin Henkes book I grab it! I have never been let down with any of his books, there is something magical about the way he captures kids feelings. Here are my favorites. There are many many more books to choose from check out his website for a full listing.

Kevin Henkes

Julius, the Baby of the World is such a funny book that I actually called my mom the day I bought it to read it to her over the phone. The book is about Lily who is adjusting to her new role as a big sister. The thing is Lily isn’t adjusting well, and it’s hilarious because it’s so true! So often books depict older siblings happily welcoming babies into their lives and that just isn’t always the case. Lily is not happy, she unlike her parents do not think this baby is special and she is openly hostile to Julius.

I laugh out loud every time I read this book, I particularly love when Lily tells a passing pregnant mouse that she will regret being pregnant. I think this book opens the floor for a real talk about feelings when a new baby comes, it’s important to remember just because the big people are excited doesn’t mean the little ones are too!

Owen This book warms my heart. Owen is attached to his fuzzy blanket. However, some people think Owen is too big for a blanket and it’s time to grow up. He goes everywhere and needs his blanket. And his parents are getting pressure from a nosy neighbor to take it away. I think this is an amazing book about parenting. I know that as a mom who is still nursing her 2 year old that I have been told many times the same things that Owen’s parent’s are told. “He can’t be a baby forever, can’t you just say no etc”.

Like Owen’s parent’s I know what my child is ready for. I don’t give into nosy neighbors but instead do the best thing for my child. No matter what your child’s lovey is, whether it’s a plush animal, blanket, pacifier or you. You’ll relate to this book. Oh and kids love it too, my son often asks for this one before bed.

Shelia Rae, The Brave In this story Sheila is a brave little mouse, he even taunts her little sister Louise calling her names when she isn’t as brave as her. However soon the tables are turned. When Shelia gets lost it’s her very own scaredy cat sister who shows the bravery. I think a lot of younger siblings can relate to this story, I know I can. Having an older sister who very much like Shelia is the natural leader among the two of us. It’s nice to see the little sister saving the day for once.

Wemberly Worried This book is about a little mouse who is about as anxious as possible. She worries about everything, and it makes her family worried too. This is a fantastic book to read before starting anything new! I read it for the children’s time at my church right before school started in the fall. It was a great opener for a talk about anxiety. We all have worries and even though we may not worry as often or as fiercely as Wemberly this book makes it seem okay and normal to feel those feelings.

The way the author illustrates both through words and pictures the intensity of her feelings really creates compassion in the reader for this little mouse. And that ability to understand what another is feeling is something that I desperately want to instill in my son.

Have you read these books by Kevin Henkes?  What are your thoughts?  Comment below or share on my Facebook page!

Filed Under: Kevin Henkes, Preschool Book Lists | 15 Comments

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15 Comments

  1. Christy says

    April 18, 2009 at 3:10 am

    We love Kevin Henkes books too. I find that a lot of people have never heard of him, so this is a great post. We loved reading “Owen’s Marshmallow Chick” for Easter.

    to Christy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Christy'>reply to this comment
  2. EntertainingMom says

    April 18, 2009 at 4:35 am

    One of my favorite children’s authors!!!

    to EntertainingMom" aria-label='reply to this comment to EntertainingMom'>reply to this comment
  3. Bookworm says

    April 18, 2009 at 5:49 am

    We love Kevin Henkes books too!

    I wanted to tell you that your layout on your blog is beuatiful.

    Your presentation of the books and the summary is so clean, crisp, simple and inviting.

    Very nice!

    When I saw you were following my blog, I just about fainted! ALLIE is following ME!? Wow! THANKS!

    to Bookworm" aria-label='reply to this comment to Bookworm'>reply to this comment
  4. Hannah says

    April 18, 2009 at 7:29 am

    We’re big Henkes fans here, too!

    Thanks for all the great ideas, BTW.

    to Hannah" aria-label='reply to this comment to Hannah'>reply to this comment
  5. Infant Bibliophile says

    April 18, 2009 at 7:46 am

    Ooh, thanks for much for these suggestions! We just “discovered” Henkes through his recent “Birds” book, which our little guy adores (it’s reviewed on my site).
    Lynn at Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile

    to Infant Bibliophile" aria-label='reply to this comment to Infant Bibliophile'>reply to this comment
  6. Bethany says

    April 18, 2009 at 9:55 am

    He is one of our favorites! We LOVE his books!!

    to Bethany" aria-label='reply to this comment to Bethany'>reply to this comment
  7. Missy Grossman says

    April 18, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    LOVE his books! My favorites are Chrysanthemum & Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. They are SO fun to read aloud!!

    to Missy Grossman" aria-label='reply to this comment to Missy Grossman'>reply to this comment
  8. Teri says

    April 18, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    I love his books, too! Jessica is one of my faves!

    to Teri" aria-label='reply to this comment to Teri'>reply to this comment
  9. Loukia says

    April 18, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    Lovely blog! I love adding new books to my children’s home ‘library’ – my oldest son especially really loves to read, just like his mom! Thanks for these suggestions!

    to Loukia" aria-label='reply to this comment to Loukia'>reply to this comment
  10. Mom, M.Ed. says

    April 19, 2009 at 5:58 pm

    We love Owen. Benjamin is an only child and he has a blankie. Owen really strikes a chord with us!

    A few years ago I was actually considering researching how authors portray the “only child” in picture books. Owen was my inspiration.

    Maybe one day I’ll do it! I think it would be very interesting.

    to Mom, M.Ed." aria-label='reply to this comment to Mom, M.Ed.'>reply to this comment
  11. annalee says

    April 19, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    kevin henkes is my very favorite childrens’ author. have you read jessica about the imaginary friend yet? love it!

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  12. Allie says

    April 19, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    I love Jessica too – I reviewed it here https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2009/02/circle-of-friends.html

    to Allie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Allie'>reply to this comment
  13. Brimful Curiosities says

    April 19, 2009 at 9:51 pm

    One of his newest, Birds is illustrated by his wife. Wisconsin author so what is not to love?

    to Brimful Curiosities" aria-label='reply to this comment to Brimful Curiosities'>reply to this comment
  14. benjamin says

    April 26, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    You and your child will delight when they start reading The Adventures of Kid Humpty Dumpty. They will be taken away to a world unlike any other. and their brains and read at the same time and we all know how important that is. Check it out at http://www.eloquentbooks.com/theadventuresofkidhumptydumpty.html

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Trackbacks

  1. 75 Books That Build Character | No Time For Flash Cards says:
    February 25, 2012 at 2:11 am

    […] Shelia Rae, The Brave by Kevin Henkes […]

    to 75 Books That Build Character | No Time For Flash Cards" aria-label='reply to this comment to 75 Books That Build Character | No Time For Flash Cards'>reply to this comment

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