Kevin Henkes Author Study


​Kevin Henkes is an author and illustrator who published his first book in 1981.  Since then, he has gone on to write more than 50 books winning multiple children's book awards.  Below are links to just a few of his books along with read alouds and resource activities. 
 Click on the image above to reach the Kevin Henkes official website. 
Chester's Way is a story about two friends, Chester and Wilson, who did everything together and always in the same way, that is, until Lily moved to the neighborhood.
​Click on the image of the book to access a read aloud video of the story.
Chrysanthemum​ is a story about a perfect little mouse who loves her name, that is, until she starts school.  ​
​Click on the image of the book to access a read aloud video of the story.
Julius the Baby of the World Lilly was not happy about her new baby brother, Julius.  In fact, she thought Julius was disgusting, and if he was a number, he would be zero. But when Cousin Garland dares to criticize Julius, Lilly bullies her into loudly admiring Julius as the baby of the world. ​
​Click on the image of the book to access a read aloud video of the story.
Kitten'a First Full Moon is a story about a young kitten.  It is Kitten's first full moon, and when she sees it she thinks it is a bowl of milk in the sky. And she wants it. Does she get it?
​Click on the image of the book to access a read aloud video of the story shared by the author Kevin Henke.
Lilly's Big Day When Lilly's teacher announces that he is getting married, Lilly has big plans to be the flower girl.  However, she is filled with disappointment when she finds out Mr. Slinger's niece will be the flower girl.  In the end, her role becomes even more important making it Lilly's big day! 
​Click on the image of the book to access a read aloud video of the story.
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger.  She even wants to be a teacher when she grows up.  That is until she takes her purple plastic purse to school and gets it taken away by Mr. Slinger.  A great story to share with students who love to bring their favorite items to school with them. ​
Video not currently available
My Garden  is a story about a young girl who helps out in her mother’s garden, but in the garden of her imagination, there are chocolate rabbits, tomatoes as big as beach balls, flowers that change color, and seashells. How does your garden grow?
​Click on the image of the book to access a read aloud video of the story.
Owen Owen loves his blanket and takes it everywhere with him.  But now he has a problem, he's getting ready to start school and he can't take his blanket with him.  What will he do? A great story to share with students who might struggle with leaving at home something that is special to them.
​Click on the image of the book to access a read aloud video of the story read by the author Kevin Henke.


Wemberly Worried Poor Wemberly worries about everything, morning noon, and night.  She is especially worried about starting school.  That is, until she makes a friend and realizes that school is just too much fun to worry about anything.
​Click on the image of the book to access a read aloud video of the story.