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Kevin Henkes
Madison, WI Born: 1960 Link to Wikipedia Page Link to Author's Website Listen to Kevin discussing his children's book on All Things Considered by NPR |
Biography:
Best known for his children's books and illustrations, Kevin Henkes' fiction and picture books for young readers have been praised by many critics for their light-hearted, yet sensitive portrayal common occurrences in young children's lives.
“I’ve been writing and illustrating children’s books for thirty years. It’s the only real job I’ve ever had.
When my work is going well, it’s transformative. I feel as if I’ve been removed from ordinary time and am living in some parallel universe, a world of grace and wonder.
Books are often the first exposure to art that children have. Keeping that in mind urges me to make the very best books possible. I know how important the books from my childhood were (and are) to me. Without them, I might not be a writer and artist today.
Sometimes I’ll hear from a parent about how a book of mine has insinuated itself into the heart of his or her child, or how a phrase from one of my books has become part of the family’s daily jargon. I love that. But most of all, I love sitting alone in a quiet room drawing and painting and writing. I love my job.”
Henkes was born in Racine, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He lives in Madison with his wife, artist Laura Dronzek, and their two children William and Clara. He has four siblings.
Works by Kevin Henkes:
Best known for his children's books and illustrations, Kevin Henkes' fiction and picture books for young readers have been praised by many critics for their light-hearted, yet sensitive portrayal common occurrences in young children's lives.
“I’ve been writing and illustrating children’s books for thirty years. It’s the only real job I’ve ever had.
When my work is going well, it’s transformative. I feel as if I’ve been removed from ordinary time and am living in some parallel universe, a world of grace and wonder.
Books are often the first exposure to art that children have. Keeping that in mind urges me to make the very best books possible. I know how important the books from my childhood were (and are) to me. Without them, I might not be a writer and artist today.
Sometimes I’ll hear from a parent about how a book of mine has insinuated itself into the heart of his or her child, or how a phrase from one of my books has become part of the family’s daily jargon. I love that. But most of all, I love sitting alone in a quiet room drawing and painting and writing. I love my job.”
Henkes was born in Racine, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He lives in Madison with his wife, artist Laura Dronzek, and their two children William and Clara. He has four siblings.
- Kevin Henkes (from http://www.kevinhenkes.com/?page_id=8)
Works by Kevin Henkes:
- All Alone (1981)
- Clean Enough (1982)
- "Return to Sender" (1984)
- Bailey Goes Camping (1985)
- Grandpa & Bo (1986) — Council of Wisconsin Writers Picture Book Award
- Once Around the Block (1987) — Library of Congress Best Books of the Year
- "Two Under Par" (1987)
- "The Zebra Wall" (1988)
- Jessica (1989)
- Shhhh (1989)
- "Words of Stone" (1992)
- The Biggest Boy (1995)
- Good-Bye Curtis (1995)
- "Sun & Spoon" (1997)
- Circle Dogs (1998) — Charlotte Zolotow Award: Highly Commended 1999
- "The Birthday Room" (1999)
- Oh! (2000)
- Olive's Ocean (2004) — Newbery Honor Book
- Kitten's First Full Moon (2004)
- A Good Day (2007)
- Bird Lake Moon (2008)
- Birds (2009)
- Old Bear (2009)
- My Garden (2010)
- Little White Rabbit (2011)
- Junonia (2011)
- The Year of Billy Miller (2013) — Newbery Honor Book
- Mouse books
- A Weekend with Wendell (1986) — Children's Choices 1987
- Sheila Rae, the Brave (1987)
- Chester's Way (1988) — ALA Notable Children's Books 1988
- Julius, the Baby of the World (1990) — ALA Notable Children's Books 1990, Booklist Editors Choice 1990
- Chrysanthemum (1991)
- Owen (1994) — Phoenix Picture Book Award 2013
- Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse (1996)
- Wemberly Worried — ALA Notable Children's Book 2000, Parenting Magazine — Reading Magic Award 2000, Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books 2001, School Library Journal Best Children's Books 2001
- A Box of Treats (2004)
- Julius' Candy Corn
- Lilly's Chocolate Heart
- Wemberley's Ice Cream Star
- Owen's Marshmallow Duck
- Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick
- Lilly's Big Day (2006)
- Penny and Her Song (2012)
- Penny and Her Doll (2012)
- Penny and Her Marble (2013)
