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Kitten's First Full Moonx$9.74
  (61 reviews)
Best Price: $9.74
What a night!
The moon is full.
Kitten is hungry
and inquisitive
and brave
and fast
and persistent
and unlucky . . .
then lucky!
What a night!
In this beautiful picture book, winner of the 2005 Caldecott Medal, Kevin Henkes, captures the sweet, sometimes slapstick struggle of Kitten, who sees her first full moon and thinks it's a bowl of milk in the sky. Any child who has yearned for anything will understand how much Kitten wants that elusive bowl of milk. Readers will giggle as she tries to lick the faraway moon and gets a bug on her tongue, or leaps to catch it and falls down the stairs. In an effective refrain, the narrator repeats, "Still, there was the little bowl of milk, just waiting." The winning combination here is the simplicity and humor of the story, paired with gorgeous black-and-white illustrations with thick black lines (mirrored by the thick bold sans-serif font) and shades of grey that are as luminous as a moonlit night should be. Full-moon circles and ovals appear throughout the design: white circle full moons on the endpapers, elliptical flowers by the porch, white circles of firefly light, oval pads on Kitten's paws, and her big round eyes (especially when surprised and soaking wet). Children will love Kitten's quest and ensuing comedy of errors, but what they will love even more is that there's an actual bowl of milk waiting on the porch for Kitten. (Preschool) --Karin Snelson
MPN: 8776-1 -
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Customer Reviews
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Oh what a night
By AMX0PJKV4PPNJ on 2004-10-27
I don't know how a person goes about making a black and white picture book appear to shimmer and shine, but somehow or other author Kevin Henkes does it. Having decided to conquer the world of cats as well as the world of mice (if this statement confuses you a single glimpse of "Lily's Purple Plastic Purse" should explain what I mean), Henkes has shifted his focus squarely on a small hungry kitten. Inviting child audiences to simultaneously pity and scoff (nicely) at its small mistaken heroine, the story is about a feline that tries to capture the moon, but is happy enough in the end with a simple bowl of milk.
Kitten, we take it, is not very old. In fact, for the first time ever she's experiencing her first full moon. Apparently no one thought to explain to Kitten exactly what a moon is and since her only frame of reference for a large round white thing is a bowl of milk, that's exactly what she mistakes the moon to be. What follows is a series of mild calamities as Kitten tries time and again to reach that tempting bowl of milk in the sky. Simply sticking her tongue out doesn't work. She gets fireflies stuck there. Leaping at the moon from the house's steps doesn't work. She just bumps her bum. Chasing the moon over hill and dale doesn't work. Kitten can't help but notice that she never gets closer. After other mistakes Kitten, dejected and more than a little soggy, returns home to find an inviting bowl of milk sitting on her home's steps just for her. Says the last line in the book, "Lucky Kitten".
The illustrations in this book are, in a word, luminous. Somehow Henkes has taken somewhat bland black and grey gouache and colored pencils and used them to give the impression of a world bathed in shimmering moonlight. Kitten herself is a lovely innocent little creature. There are some truly amusing moments when she finds that she's just been tricked in some way. In times like these her mouth pretty much disappears and her eyes become wide, staring straight at the reader. It's a brilliant comic effect, and it keeps you rooting for Kitten. If there's anything to beware of in this book it may be your children over identifying with the little cat. I know that I, for one, felt awful for her when she found herself floating in a pond (she saw the reflection of the moon in the pond and thought... well, you know) and, "was wet and sad and tired and hungry". Fortunately Kitten's happy ending is just a few pages away, so kids won't have much time to dwell on the unhappy heroine's predicament.
The book is not too unlike one of my favorite picture books from childhood. Like, "The Patchwork Cat" by Nicola Bayley & William Mayne, this book is about a cat attempting to find and recover the thing she loves best. The two books would pair brilliantly together for any storytime. Henkes has redirected his storylines from rodents to cats so well that I suspect his fans won't be clamoring for any more mousie tales for quite some time. If you'd like a picture book that is as beautiful as it is misleadingly simple, "Kitten's First Full Moon" is your best bet. Perhaps the most beautiful black and white picture book on the market today.
I'm glad
By on 2005-01-20
Hi. During school some kids (including me) have been asked if we could be in a Caldecott reading group. In this reading group we have to read 25 of the books that were entered in the Caldecott award. At the end we were supposed to pick a book that we thought should win. My friends, Haleigh and Marissa were in a group with me. we decided to do an essay on the book Kittens First Full Moon. We did a little presantation in front of the reading class and we also shared our thoughts about the book. We even shared what we thought aboout the black and white pictures, few words and even te cute little Kitten. This reading class was fun and i hope that maybe next time (if there is a next time) you will choose the same book i did again. I had fun writing this paragraph. I really enjoy the book Kittens First Full Moon. Thank You.
-Emily-
Great book for beginning readers!
By A3SAU1A0IEYDNX on 2005-06-15
This cute story of a kitten thinking the full moon is a big bowl of milk and her wriggling, tumbling, chasing, climbing, and leaping after it reminds me of childhood imagination, curiousity, exploration and discovery. Kitten's First Full Moon has a fun underlying message of encouragement to go after our dreams! Usually children love colorfully illustrated books. Kitten's First Full Moon, done in black and white with variations of gray shades, grants it to stand out in memory as being different and enables it to receive greater attention, as it is a story that occurs at night. (So black and white makes sense.) The bold, thick black lettering on starch white paper makes it easy for a child to read with confidence. The sentences are of varying length and the story is written so that it keeps children turning pages to find out what the kitten will do next. The many changes of illustrations from one on a full page, to five long ones, to a two page spread with only one small picture on each and more, adds to the visual interest of KFFM. The Caldecott Medal Winner of 2005. Enjoy it!
Soar!
A SOON TO BE CLASSIC!
By A2JP0URFHXP6DO on 2005-01-19
Kitten's first Full Moon is certain to become a new classic for the K and pre-K kid set. A departure from other children's books in that it doesn't rely on eye-jolting color's to catch your childs eye but rather it is drawn superbly in white, black, and shades of gray. Despite the lack of color, I found my two year old enjoying it very much and he was extremely attentive.
The book tells the story of a little kitten who sees a full moon for the first time in his life. She thinks it's a bowl full of milk and with humor and a lot of charm, proceeeds to try and get to that bowl by jumping, climbing a tree, etc. All very delightful. Just a great new kids book that I'm sure will be on bookshelfs for a long, long time!
Even toddlers enjoy "Kitten's First Full Moon"
By AISFSC22MOHS0 on 2005-10-19
As a librarian, I bought "Kitten's First Full Moon" because it was the 2005 Caldecott winner. I have an 18-month-old grandson, however, and it's been a favorite of his since his first birthday and I was a bit surprised. So even though he's a little younger than the usual range for Caldecott books, I would recommend it for younger children as well. By the way, it's also on the Texas 2x2 list (2 years-2nd grade) from the Texas Library Assn. Vona Van Cleef, librarian/gramma
- What a night!
By A1EIOM9O3F17UB on 2005-08-11
This is another book (like Fledgling, previously reviewed) which isn't obviously charming when glanced through but comes into its own in the read-aloud. It gained a lot of attention for its illustrations but I think the story line is even better. The simple text is charming and perfect. You can't help but hold your breath as you follow along with Kitten's ups and downs, trying valiantly to reach that "little bowl of milk, just waiting" in the sky. And, of course, the happy ending with its fairy tale quality... who can help but believe that those who truly deserve it find their happiness in good time. Buy this book for the science of it (full moon, reflections) or for the fun of it, but don't hold back. I give it a million gold stars.
- Kitten's First Full Moon is a great Caldecott Award winner!
By on 2005-01-19
Kitten's First Full Moon won the Caldecott Award for 2005 and I'm glad it did! At my elementary school, we had our own Caldecott Committee and it even won that award, too! The book is a picture book with little text and mostly large pictures. There is a little kitten who mistakes the moon as a bowl of milk. It is black & white, but the kitten's expressions are so realistic! He's so cute and determined to get that bowl of milk, you want to just want to keep cheering for him!
- Some of the best artwork I have ever seen in a kid's book
By A2FS38D943KX12 on 2005-02-26
Our 18-month-old daughter isn't particularly enthralled by the story yet, but I am hardly surprised by that; it is a little beyond her age. It is a well-crafted story told in a straightforward manner, and I expect that in time she will enjoy this book for that reason. For now, she finds the artwork to be very interesting, no doubt because we have 5 cats of our own. I find myself in total agreement with Helen here; this is some of the best artwork I have ever come across in a childrens' book, so much so that I wouldn't hesitate to frame the drawings and hang them in a prominent space on my walls. This is really well-done. Even if it were a lousy story, I would enjoy looking at the artwork. As it is, both the story and artwork are superb!
- Here Kitty, Kitty
By A2W0XCWOK3MW6F on 2004-05-07
The cover shows Kitten in a dazzling night garden. The lettering is silvery and the colors of the entire book are grays, black, and white. Kitten sees the moon and thinks it is a bowl of milk. The story shows Kitten (in very clever illustrations) trying and trying to get at the "bowl of milk". Kitten chases after an impossible goal and in the end finds what it was searching for was waiting for it all along at home. Fun for everyone, but cat lovers will really enjoy this book. Karen Woodworth-Roman, Librarian
- In The Light of the Silvery Moon
By AGBSN8VB6KWGH on 2004-12-29
I agree with all the reviewers who wrote about the fantastic artwork in this book. Normally one would wonder how black and white illustrations would go over with small children but these are silvery and luminous and a joy to look at no matter what your age. The story is darling as well, and perfect for the 5 and under set. The spirit of a frisky and determined kitten is captured and the animal in this story at least behaves like a real kitten would. I don't know whether any kittens have mistaken the full moon for a bowl of milk but they certainly get themselves into trouble following their whims. All ends well in this delectable story so the little ones will breathe a sigh of relief. For anyone wondering whether to choose this book for a small child, I believe it is has an excellent chance of being a new favorite.
- Perfect;ly Charming!
By A2393KATXI5YF7 on 2005-02-25
When I got this book I wasn't sure if my two-year old would like it since it was "only" black and white. Boy, was I wrong! He loves this book--you can almost sense that he is rooting for that sweet little kitty. The funny thing was my 7-year old son asked if he could take it to his room and read it too. Thank you, Kevin Henkes, for giving this wonderful book to us to share as a family.
- What a perfect little book
By A26U4KT0GQRB9K on 2005-04-07
The writing is simply beautiful, which makes this charming story stand out in a sea of horribly written, celebrity driven picture books that have all but destroyed the genre. It's lyrical, simple, and the message is just right for the smallest of listeners. It's my two-year-old's bedtime favorite, and neither she nor I has gotten sick of it after dozens and dozens of readings. This book belongs in every preschooler's storybook collection.
- Well illustrated, very cute.
By A2ROCYE37T62XV on 2006-03-10
My eight month old loves this book. The illustrations are large and black and white, making them easy for a little one to appreciate. The story is a good one, about a little kitten trying to get something she can't and getting into trouble. It's a story babies can relate to!
- A very cute story
By A1LRHWHN38TSCH on 2005-09-02
A lovely librarian suggested this book to me after finding out that my daughter and I were studying the moon in our homeschool.
It made a delightful bedtime story for both my 7 and 11yr old girls. I don't know if I've ever seen a better black-and-white childrens' book. We loved the illustrations, especially the page where kitten is still stalking the "bowl of milk" after not being able to chase it down.
The ending made us feel so much better about her sad little dissapointments.
I'm very happy the librarian suggested it and am going to have to thank her.
- Kitten's First Full Moon
By A1SR88LAAYLC2H on 2005-09-15
I felt that this book connected to me in a way most childrens books do not. It seemed like the milk was a metaphore and that , like the kitten was chasing after something that was not there, but through perserverence it will eventually be found. This is not just a children's book, but a book for all ages.
- Cute story-Great Pictures
By A1XHWV7DWT9Z1B on 2005-09-15
My 3 year old daughter enjoys having stories read to her each night. This book has become part of our bedtime ritual. She loves the kitten in the story, and I love the pictures. Even though they are black and white (looks like charcoal drawings), the pictures are great. The expressions on the kitten's face are priceless.
- What a cute story!
By A3VM7KD9S4256K on 2005-09-19
Kevin Henkes has once again developed a wonderful fantasy story that is charming and suspenseful and the children love it! I was sure that Kevin Henkes had outdone himself with "Lily's Purple Plastic Purse", until I read this story. "Kitten's First Full Moon," is an all time favorite of my nephew's and no matter how many times we read it together we never get sick of it. After reading the story for the first time, I immediately fell in love with it! The whole suspense plot that lies within the story is very exciting for not only children, but adults also. Kitten has spotted a bowl of milk in the sky and no matter how hard she tries, she just can't seem to get to it! As stated in the book, "she chased it-down the sidewalk, through the garden, past the field, and by the pond. But Kitten never seemed to get closer." Poor little Kitten!
- I'm glad!!!
By on 2005-01-20
In school we are doing a reading group on the Caldecott books. We had to form groups of kids that wanted the same book to win. My two partners were Marissa and Haleigh. My friends and I chose the book Kittens First Full Moon to win the award. We thought that it was a very well illustrated. We were so surprised because our book won. The kitten was so cute. We totally agree with you about the book that you chose. Thank you for chosing Kittens First Full Moon. Emily.
- Kitten's First Full Moon is Filled with Great Suspense!
By A3MBDBKB5PJJOS on 2005-02-25
Kevin Henkes really soars to the top of the creativity list with this totally suspense filled book about the adventures of a captivating kitten who first thinks that the moon she sees is a cup of milk. It's her very first full moon and this determined little kitty just won't give up.
This is a full moon story that will capture your child (or group of children) from beginning to end. And who couldn't but fall in love with this persistent little kitten?
Filled with some of the best black and white (charcoal and cream) images I've ever seen, my kids immediately caught on to this extremely creative story about a kitten who just doesn't give up-even when faced with temporary bumps in the road. Frustration, exhaution and even pain don't stop this determined kitten from reaching her goal of getting to that cup of milk. Your kids will see the full moon and be consumed with the kittens determination and spirit. One of the messages that was clear throughout the story was one of courage and the ability to not give in or ever give up-not ever.
This is one cute feline that won't be forgotten and a great book that will both stimulate and relax your childs mind. If other books have failed, please give this one a try. It worked for our family and is so popular now that it's often hard to find in our home. "Where did you put the "Kitten and the Moon Book?".
Happy reading to you and your child or children. And to those who babysit? You'd better add this one to your collection as well!
Happy Parenting and Warm Regards,
Peter Cannice in Scottsdale, Arizona
Email: Horsepete@aol.com
- What a Night!
By A1LTVGS2JS0B6Q on 2005-11-12
On the back cover of this book, the words 'What a Night!' are written inside a big white moon. Inside the book, readers can experience the very eventful night that kitten has in search of a bowl of milk. Although the illustrations are all in only black, white or gray, they are extremely interesting. The concept of how large objects can look small from far away, such as the big moon looking as small as a bowl of milk to kitten, is present in this work. The concept of reflection, as the moon is reflected into a pond is also present. Not only are these concepts highlighted, but a situation that readers can relate to is offered. Kitten is determined to reach the bowl of milk. Readers may also have things in their lives that they are determined to reach and can relate their own experience to the experience of the kitten. In light of the concepts in the illustrations and aspects of the story, this work is not only an enjoyable read, but also a meaningful one.
- My baby loved it!
By AHV6VC4JZ694L on 2004-06-29
I started reading Kitten's First Full Moon to my daughter when she was 3 months old, and she has since been captivated by the beautiful black/white illustrations of kitten and her quest for the little bowl of milk.
- Good choice for Caldecott Award!!
By on 2005-01-20
I think Kitten's First Full Moon is a great book for young
readers. It has great illustrations, and the black and white pictures are beautiful and adorable! Some books' words don't match the pictures, but Kitten's First Full Moon's words matched the pictures.- Haleigh & Marissa
- Kitten's First Full Moon
By on 2005-05-19
I loved the pictures. It was so good. i loved it!
- best book ever
By on 2005-05-19
I liked the kitten when she was tring to get the milk.
The kitten was so cute.
- Lap Up This Story!
By A3FW02FF57E3M9 on 2005-11-23
From the first glance at kitten, you are clearly hooked... and as the kitten pursues the task of lapping up the moon, the wonderful allegory unfolds through a grace and beauty that is manifest throughout this book. My children loved Kitten's First Full Moon, and I know yours will too. As an author of children's books, I treasure the magic that reading brings to children. This is about as important a tool as any that you will ever arm your children with. Take a shot on this book... you will not be disappointed. Brian Weiner CEO The Illusion Factory (Inform and Empower Yourself™) Author Toad Catchers' Creek
- Adorable Book
By A14R2TRNC07U9Y on 2006-02-17
I bought my daughter this book as a Valentines day present. (She is 2 1/2 years old) She loves it! She "read" it about 10 times the very first night, and she loved saying "poor kitty!!" when the kitten found trouble trying to catch the moon.
Good book for young and old children!
- Disappointed
By A1PUO5CCZL1JR5 on 2006-06-29
I'd read good reviews about this book, but I found it very
disappointing. I didn't find the black and white particularly
advantageous to the book or the story. Dull is the word that comes
to mind for the story itself. The cover is the best part of the book--the cat is cute.
I purchased this for a gift but now I'm sorry that I relied on reviews before the purchase. If I'd seen the actual book and read the story, I would never have bought it.
- Kitten's first full moon
By A3JLQWGBPCFGWW on 2005-09-01
This book is cute and I thought my two year old wouldn't understand it, but she does. She feels the emotions of the kitten and wants to read it over and over again.
- Kitten's First Full Moon
By A35AYYKVCGU95V on 2006-01-16
I buy the Caldecott Medal winner for my grandchildren and grandnieces and grandnephews every Christmas. Before I purchase the current winner, my friend (a former third grade teacher) and I review it. I have always had good responses to my gift. This year I had the opportunity to read Kitten's First Full Moon many times to my granddaughter. She really enjoyed it and I did, too. I also received a thank you from my grandniece and she really liked the book, too. It's a winner.
- Gorgeous and Charming
By A1EPQKSQL97E88 on 2006-08-19
A black-and-white picture book that is more gorgeous than any color book I've seen in a long time. Henkes' kitten is charming and beautifully drawn; the text is simple enough for a child to memorize but as rhythmic and elegant as haiku. A great book to read aloud at bedtime. Deserves the Caldicott medal fifty times over. My two-year-old niece was captivated by the bold lines of the illustrations; my four-year-old nieces loved the simple but clever story about the kitten who longs for that little bowl of milk waiting for her in the sky - the full moon.
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