Kitten’s First Full Moon

A Caldecott Award Winner

By Kevin Henkes

On Sale: 10/27/2026

A Caldecott Medal winner and #1 New York Times bestseller by the celebrated author and illustrator Kevin Henkes. This classic, evergreen picture book is about a kitten, the moon, and a bowl of milk and will resonate with young children.

From one of the most beloved picture book creators comes a memorable character and a suspenseful, emotionally rich adventure just right for the very youngest reader. 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? Well, no . . . and yes.

A brief text, large type, and luminescent pictures play second fiddle to the star of this classic picture book—brave, sweet and lucky Kitten! “Henkes’s text, reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown’s work in the elemental words, rhythms, and appealing sounds, tells a warm, humorous story that’s beautifully extended in his shimmering, gray-toned artwork.” said ALA Booklist in a starred review.

Indefatigable Kitten is a role model for all ages—taking chances, picking herself up when she fails, trying out new strategies to get what she wants, and figuring out when enough is enough.

Winner of the Caldecott Medal · ALA Notable Book · New York Times #1 Bestseller · New York Times Notable Book · New York Times Best Illustrated Book · Winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award · Publishers Weekly Best Book · School Library Journal Best Book · Kirkus Reviews Editors’ Choice · ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice · BCCB Blue Ribbon Book · New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing · Book Sense Top Ten Pick · Washington Post Book World Best Book for Young Readers · Parenting Magazine Book of the Year · Child Magazine Best Book Ages 2-4

ISBN: 9780060588304
Imprint: Greenwillow Books
On Sale: Oct 27, 2026
List price: $12.99
No of pages: 40
Trim Size: 1.000 in (w) x 1.000 in (h) x 1.000 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Cats
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Bedtime & Dreams
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Seasons

Kevin Henkes

Biography

Kevin Henkes has been praised both as a writer and as an illustrator and is the recipient of the Children’s Literature Legacy Award for his lasting contribution to literature for children. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon; Caldecott Honors for Waiting and Owen; Newbery Honors for Olive’s Ocean and The Year of Billy Miller; and Geisel Honors for Waiting and Penny and Her Marble. His other books include Is It Spring?, The World and Everything in It, A House, A Parade of Elephants, Chrysanthemum, and the beloved Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin.

A Caldecott Medal winner and #1 New York Times bestseller by the celebrated author and illustrator Kevin Henkes. This classic, evergreen picture book is about a kitten, the moon, and a bowl of milk and will resonate with young children.

From one of the most beloved picture book creators comes a memorable character and a suspenseful, emotionally rich adventure just right for the very youngest reader. 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? Well, no . . . and yes.

A brief text, large type, and luminescent pictures play second fiddle to the star of this classic picture book—brave, sweet and lucky Kitten! "Henkes’s text, reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown’s work in the elemental words, rhythms, and appealing sounds, tells a warm, humorous story that’s beautifully extended in his shimmering, gray-toned artwork." said ALA Booklist in a starred review.

Indefatigable Kitten is a role model for all ages—taking chances, picking herself up when she fails, trying out new strategies to get what she wants, and figuring out when enough is enough.

Winner of the Caldecott Medal · ALA Notable Book · New York Times #1 Bestseller · New York Times Notable Book · New York Times Best Illustrated Book · Winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award · Publishers Weekly Best Book · School Library Journal Best Book · Kirkus Reviews Editors’ Choice · ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice · BCCB Blue Ribbon Book · New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing · Book Sense Top Ten Pick · Washington Post Book World Best Book for Young Readers · Parenting Magazine Book of the Year · Child Magazine Best Book Ages 2-4

ISBN: 9780060588304
Imprint: Greenwillow Books
On Sale: Oct 27, 2026
List price: $12.99
No of pages: 40
Trim Size: 1.000 in (w) x 1.000 in (h) x 1.000 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Cats
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Bedtime & Dreams
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Seasons

Kevin Henkes

Biography

Kevin Henkes has been praised both as a writer and as an illustrator and is the recipient of the Children’s Literature Legacy Award for his lasting contribution to literature for children. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon; Caldecott Honors for Waiting and Owen; Newbery Honors for Olive’s Ocean and The Year of Billy Miller; and Geisel Honors for Waiting and Penny and Her Marble. His other books include Is It Spring?, The World and Everything in It, A House, A Parade of Elephants, Chrysanthemum, and the beloved Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin.