A Few Fun Facts About Kevin Henkes:
• Kevin Henkes was born in Racine, Wisconsin in 1960 and spent his childhood there
• Kevin Henkes decided that he wanted to be a children's book author and illustrator while in high school
• Kevin Henkes became an author-illustrator when he was nineteen years old
• Kevin Henkes writes picture books and novels
• Kevin Henkes currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin with his wife and two children
• Kevin Henkes writes and illustrates his books in a studio in his house
Biographical information for Kevin Henkes obtained from the following web site: http://www.kevinhenkes.com
Selected Bibliography
The following books were chosen due to the high quality text and/or illustrations. The books are still in print and many of them were bestsellers and/or on notable book lists, award winners/nominees, or received positive reviews from professional reviewing sources.
Henkes, Kevin. 1986. A WEEKEND WITH WENDELL. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 1987. SHEILA RAE, THE BRAVE. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 1988. CHESTER'S WAY. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 1989. JESSICA. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 1989. SHHHH. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 1990. JULIUS, THE BABY OF THE WORLD. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 1991. CHRYSANTHEMUM. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 1992. WORDS OF STONE. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 1993. OWEN. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 1996. LILLY'S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 1999. THE BIRTHDAY ROOM. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 2003. OLIVE'S OCEAN. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 2003. WEMBERLY WORRIED. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Henkes, Kevin. 2004. KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON. New York: Greenwillow Books
Kevin Henkes related web sites:
http://www.kevinhenkes.com
http://www.carolhurst.com/authors/khenkes.html
http://www.btsb.com/Library/Author/Henkes.htm
http://www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/k6/henkes.html
http://www.edupaperback.org
http://www.eastislip.k12.ny.us/jfkes/internetactivities/henkes/kevin_henkes.html
Analysis
CHRYSANTHEMUM
In the book CHRYSANTHEMUM, author Kevin Henkes introduces readers to a young mouse named Chrysanthemum. She is a happy little mouse and so proud of her beautiful name. But, all of that changes when Chrysanthemum begins kindergarten. Suddenly, she is surrounded by other little mice with names like Max, Sam, and Joe. The other mice make fun of her name and this makes poor Chrysanthemum very upset and ashamed of her name. Luckily, the music teacher, who also has the unique name Delphinium, takes the poor little mouse under her wing. Soon all of the other mice are envious of Chrysanthemum's name. She learns a valuable lesson that sometimes being different is one of the best gifts of all. Henkes creates a wonderful character in Chrysanthemum. His use of humor intertwined with a lesson will delight children and adults alike. His great understanding of children and their emotions shines through in this delightful story.
The illustrations add to this touching story and bring the words to life.
The range of expression and emotion Henkes conveys in his pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are "absolutely perfect." The impressionistic floral backdrops and patterning reinforce the story's lighthearted, yet tender theme. (School Library Journal)
This story is one that all children will appreciate. It teaches them to be proud of who they are and that differences are special. This is a wonderful picture book that should be on the shelves of all schools and libraries.
WEMBERLY WORRIED
In the book WEMBERLY WORRIED, author Kevin Henkes introduces readers to a young mouse named Wemberly. She has a terrible habit of worrying. She worries about everything imaginable, such as whether or not her parents will disappear in the night. Outside of the home she worries about using playground equipment because it might be "too rusty, too loose, or too high." Wemberly also worries about her security blanket, a rabbit named Petal. Everywhere she goes she is worried about something. She is about to begin nursery school and she is very, very worried about that. The author's illustrations perfectly capture the emotions Wemberly feels with each new worrisome situation she encounters.
Told with sensitivity and filled with perfectly chosen details, this story will speak to young worrywarts everywhere. (School Library Journal)
The author truly understands children and the many fears and emotions that they deal with on a daily basis. This gift has enabled him to create a realistic character that children are sure to adore.
Henkes once again puts his fingers on the pulse of young children, combining good storytelling, careful characterization, and wonderfully expressive artwork to create an entertaining and reassuring picture book that addresses a common concern. (School Library Journal)
This book is an excellent example of a book that parents and teachers can share with children to help them understand and overcome their fears. It is a must have for all homes, classrooms, and school libraries.
Both of these books are excellent resources to have around children. Henkes writes with a humor that will quickly catch the attention of children. The underlying lessons and messages of both of the stories flow within the storyline. Children will easily be able to relate to the characters. Everyone has felt worried or self conscious before and it is important that children realize that it is okay to feel this way, but things will always get better. The illustrations in the stories greatly add warmth and depth to the storylines. The stories would not be quite as meaningful without them. These books will be a hit with children and adults alike. It is doubtful that anyone could resist these two little mice with such human like qualities.
References
Fleishhacker, Joy. 2000. Review of WEMBERLY WORRIED, by Kevin Henkes.
School Library Journal 46 (August): 156..
McGrath, Joan. 1991. Review of CHRYSANTHEMUM, by Kevin Henkes.
School Library Journal 37 (September): 234.
This author study was created by Mandy as a project for a course at Texas Woman's University.