Kitten's First Full Moon

Title: Kitten's First Full Moon
Author/Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Genre: Fantasy
Awards: Caldecott Medal (2005)
Grade Level: PK - 1

Kitten mistakes her first full moon for a bowl of milk. She goes on a journey in an attempt to get a lick.  She jumps, runs, and climbs a tree but could not get any closer. In the pond, she sees a larger bowl of milk, which was actually the reflection of the moon, and jumps into the water. Disappointed, Kitten returns home but finds a bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch. Even though she failed to reach the moon, her determination was still rewarded in the end. Poor Kitten becomes Lucky Kitten. Younger children can probably relate to Kitten's mistake and misunderstanding. The contrast from the black and white illustrations with bold outlines sets the night atmosphere but also puts the focus on Kitten and the moon. The text is simple and there is some repetitive text. Because the book talks about the full moon, it can be used to introduce the moon phases and reflection.

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