Kevin Henkes

When you are a tiny kitten experiencing the world for the very first time, the night sky holds some wonderful surprises. Looking up into the dark, Kitten spots her very first full moon. But she does not see a glowing rock in space. Instead, she sees an enormous, delicious bowl of milk just waiting to be lapped up! Determined to get a taste, Kitten reaches, stretches, and leaps as high as she can. She chases the glowing bowl through the garden, across the yard, and even up a tall tree. But no matter what she tries, the milk stays just out of reach, leaving her tired, wet, and very hungry. Follow along on this hilarious and beautifully illustrated nighttime adventure. You will root for the brave little feline as she tumbles through the dark, discovering that sometimes the best rewards are waiting right back at home.

The snow is falling hard, and the winter wind is howling through the trees, but Old Bear does not notice the cold at all. Snug and warm in his cozy den, he is fast asleep and dreaming a wonderful dream. In his mind, he is a playful young cub again, exploring the beautiful forest he calls home. As he sleeps through the chilly winter, his dreams take him on a magical journey through the vibrant colors of spring, the bright sunshine of summer, and the crisp, falling leaves of autumn. He remembers everything he loves about the world outside his cave. When the long winter finally comes to an end, Old Bear wakes up to discover that the world outside is just as beautiful as the one in his dreams. Step into a gentle, comforting story that celebrates the changing seasons and the quiet beauty of nature.

Sometimes the world around you gets a little too loud, and all you really need is a quiet moment to yourself. Finding a peaceful spot away from the crowd can be a wonderful adventure of its own. In this gentle story, you will discover the special magic of spending time all alone. Whether you are watching the clouds drift by, listening to the wind in the trees, or simply letting your thoughts wander, being by yourself gives your mind the freedom to dream. You will see how a few quiet minutes can help you understand your own feelings and spark your brightest ideas. Take a deep breath and explore the beauty of solitude. This comforting book shows you that enjoying your own company is a perfectly natural and happy way to recharge your spirit.

Do you like things just so? Chester and Wilson certainly do! They always cut their sandwiches diagonally, use proper hand signals on their bikes, and even get hungry at the exact same time. They're the best of friends and have their very own, very organized way of doing everything together. But what happens when someone new moves into the neighborhood who has completely different ideas? Get ready to meet Lilly! She marches to her own beat, and she just might show Chester and Wilson that sometimes, trying new things and exploring different ways can be a lot of fun. Join these three friends as they discover that sometimes the best way is to find a new way together! This heartwarming and funny story reminds us that even when we have our own routines, embracing new perspectives can lead to wonderful friendships and exciting discoveries.

Ruthie has a very best friend named Jessica, and they do everything together! They share meals, play games, and read their favorite books side by side. There's just one tiny problem: Ruthie’s parents say, “There is no Jessica.” They don't seem to see her at all! But Ruthie knows Jessica is real and always there for her. Soon, it’s time for Ruthie to start kindergarten, and her parents hope she’ll find some real-life friends. They wonder if she’ll still need Jessica once she’s at school. Get ready for a wonderful surprise on Ruthie’s first day! Will her imaginary friend help her find new adventures, or will something even more amazing happen? Join Ruthie as she steps into a new world where anything is possible, especially when it comes to friendship.

Wemberly is a little mouse with a very big imagination, and she uses it to worry about absolutely everything. She worries about spilling her juice, shrinking in the bathtub, and even the cracks in the living room wall. But nothing makes her tummy flutter quite like the thought of starting her very first day of nursery school. What if she cannot find the bathroom? What if nobody else brings a doll? When the big day finally arrives, Wemberly brings her endless list of fears right through the classroom door. If you have ever felt nervous about trying something new, you will know exactly how Wemberly feels. Watch as she bravely faces her fears and discovers that school might just be filled with fun, new friends, and a lot less to worry about than she ever expected.

Hey there, meet Lilly! She absolutely adores everything about school, especially her fantastic teacher, Mr. Slinger. One day, Lilly brings her brand-new, sparkly purple plastic purse to class, filled with all her favorite treasures. She’s SO excited to show everyone! But waiting until sharing time is just too hard. When Mr. Slinger asks her to put her purse away, Lilly feels a big rush of anger. What will she do next? Sometimes, even the best kids make choices they regret. Follow Lilly as she learns about being kind, saying sorry, and finding a way to make things right with her teacher. This funny and heartfelt story by Kevin Henkes shows that everyone can make mistakes and find the courage to fix them. You'll love seeing how Lilly learns about her feelings and the importance of respect.

Pulling weeds and chasing away hungry rabbits can make gardening feel like a lot of hard work. But what if you could plant a garden where absolutely anything was possible? After helping her mother tend to their ordinary backyard plants, a young girl lets her imagination run completely wild. In her dream garden, the rules of nature do not apply. Instead of regular vegetables, she grows massive tomatoes the size of beach balls and bushes that sprout colorful jellybeans. If you plant a seashell, a whole crop of beautiful shells will bloom. Even the chocolate rabbits are real, and the flowers can change their colors just by thinking about it. Step into a magical world where creativity blossoms and the soil holds endless surprises. This playful story will inspire you to dream up your very own magical garden, where the only limit is your imagination.

Meet Owen, a little mouse who absolutely loves his fuzzy yellow blanket, Fuzzy. He takes Fuzzy everywhere, and Fuzzy always makes him feel safe and happy. But Owen is getting ready to start school, and his parents worry that Fuzzy might be a bit too big for school. His mom and dad try lots of clever ways to get Owen to give up Fuzzy, but Owen isn't ready to let go! If you have a special blanket or toy you just can't be without, you'll understand exactly how Owen feels. What will Owen do when it's time for school? And how will his parents find a way to make sure Owen is happy and ready for his big new adventure? Join Owen as he learns that some things are too special to ever truly leave behind, and discovers a creative way to keep Fuzzy close to his heart.

Four-year-old Sal is having a very difficult holiday season. Her family is celebrating their first winter with a brand new baby, and Sal is not thrilled about the changes. The baby is noisy, constantly crying, and taking up all of Mama's attention. To make matters even more frustrating, the baby does not even have a name yet. While her older brother Billy is excited for Uncle Jake to visit, Sal is dealing with a major disaster: she has lost the very best gift that Santa gave her. Between her annoying big brother, the chaotic house, and her missing present, Sal feels completely overwhelmed. But the holiday season is full of unexpected surprises. As the Miller family gathers together, Sal might just find her missing gift, help name the new baby, and discover that being a big sister is not so bad after all. Step into a warm, funny story about family, big feelings, and holiday magic.

One bright spring day, a curious little white rabbit sets out from home to explore the wide world. As he hops along the path, he realizes that everything is fresh, new, and full of possibilities. With every new sight, his imagination runs wild. When he sees the meadow, he wonders what it would be like to be as green as the grass. When he looks up at the forest, he imagines being as tall as the giant fir trees. He even wonders what it would feel like to be as hard as a rock or to flutter through the air like a butterfly. Hop along on this gentle and beautifully illustrated adventure. You will love discovering the wonders of nature alongside the little rabbit, exploring how fun it is to imagine being something completely different before finally returning to the comfort of home.

Five good friends sit happily together on a quiet windowsill, looking out at the world and waiting for marvelous things to happen. The owl is patiently waiting for the bright moon to rise in the night sky. The pig is waiting for the gentle rain to fall. The bear is waiting for the wind to blow, and the puppy is waiting for the soft winter snow. The rabbit is not waiting for anything in particular; he just loves the peaceful feeling of looking out the window. As the days pass and the seasons change, the friends watch the world transform outside their glass. Sometimes they see exactly what they are hoping for, and sometimes they are surprised by something completely unexpected. Step into a beautifully illustrated, timeless story that celebrates the quiet magic of patience, the joy of imagination, and the wonderful surprises that come to those who wait.

Penny the mouse is out for a walk when she spots something shiny and beautiful in her neighbor's yard. Resting perfectly in Mrs. Goodwin's green grass is a bright blue marble. Penny loves it instantly and decides to slip it into her pocket and take it home. But as soon as she gets back to her room, the beautiful marble does not feel quite as wonderful anymore. Penny's stomach starts to tie in knots, and she cannot stop wondering if the marble actually belongs to Mrs. Goodwin. Her guilt grows bigger and bigger, making it impossible to enjoy her new treasure. Finally, Penny realizes there is only one way to make the heavy feeling go away. She must be brave, march back to her neighbor's house, and return the marble. Join Penny on a gentle journey about honesty, doing the right thing, and the relief of telling the truth.

Every year, Alice and her parents travel to Sanibel Island, Florida, to celebrate her birthday. This year is extra special because Alice is turning ten. She knows exactly what to expect, from the shells on the beach to the familiar faces of the people who always vacation there at the same time. But when they arrive, Alice discovers that her perfect routine is broken. Some of her favorite people are missing, and new, unfamiliar faces have taken their place. For a girl who loves things to stay exactly the way they have always been, these sudden changes feel completely unsettling. As her birthday week unfolds, Alice must learn to navigate the shifting sands of her beloved island getaway. She might even discover that growing up means making room for new friends, unexpected surprises, and the courage to embrace things that are different.

Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect. She loves the way it sounds when her mother wakes her up, the way it looks written in ink on an envelope, and the way it flows when she says it out loud. But everything changes on her very first day of school. When the teacher takes roll call, the other children giggle at her long name. They tease her for being named after a flower, making Chrysanthemum feel like her perfect name is actually terrible. Her days at school become a struggle as she tries to ignore the hurtful jokes from her classmates. Just when she feels completely defeated, a special music teacher with a unique name of her own helps the students see things differently. Discover a warm and comforting story about loving who you are, finding your confidence, and celebrating the things that make you completely unique.

Starting a new school year always brings a mix of nerves and excitement, but Billy Miller has a little extra to worry about. After a minor tumble and a bump on the head during a family vacation, Billy is anxious about whether he is truly smart enough for the challenges of his new classroom. As the school year unfolds, Billy navigates a series of everyday hurdles that will test his confidence and his heart. From trying to impress his hardworking teacher and dealing with a frustrating desk-mate, to navigating the complex dynamics of living with his energetic little sister, Sal, Billy's life is full of quiet but meaningful adventures. He also finds unique ways to connect with his stay-at-home artist father and his busy mother, learning that growing up is about small victories and finding your own voice. This warm, beautifully crafted story captures the authentic ups and downs of elementary school life. You will step into Billy's world and experience a year filled with humor, gentle life lessons, and the comforting reality of family love. It is a tender, relatable journey about overcoming self-doubt and discovering exactly who you are meant to be.

Ten-year-old Adine Vorlob is used to the loud, bustling routine of her big family. With four sisters already filling the house, she knows exactly how things work. Now, her family is buzzing with preparations for a brand-new baby. They are painting a beautiful mural in the nursery and making long lists of possible names. But this time, the familiar routine is completely broken. To help out while Mrs. Vorlob rests, eccentric Aunt Irene arrives to stay with the family. Even worse, she is moving right into Adine's bedroom! Suddenly, Adine finds her personal space invaded and her daily life turned upside down. When the new baby finally arrives, absolutely nothing goes as expected, leaving Adine to figure out how she fits into her changing family. Step into a relatable story about growing up, sharing space, and navigating the chaotic surprises of family life. You will easily connect with Adine as she learns to handle unexpected houseguests and the complicated emotions that come with welcoming a new sibling into the world.

Penny the mouse has just received the most wonderful gift: a brand new sled. She is absolutely thrilled and cannot wait to zoom down the biggest hill in the neighborhood. She puts on her warm scarf, pulls her winter hat down tight, and even sleeps with her mittens on so she will be ready the moment the flakes start falling. There is only one problem: there is no snow anywhere. Day after day, Penny watches the sky, but the winter weather simply refuses to arrive. Tired of waiting, she decides that her beautiful new sled is just too wonderful to sit in the corner. With a little bit of imagination, the sled transforms into a sturdy bridge for her glass animals, a cozy bed for her favorite doll, and even a magic carpet that flies around the world. Join Penny as she discovers the joy of creative play and the quiet magic of patience.

Have you ever looked closely at the world around you? From the tiniest dewdrop on a leaf to the grand, stretching sky above, there’s so much to see and wonder about! Join beloved author Kevin Henkes on a gentle journey of observation in "The World and Everything in It." This beautiful book invites you to open your eyes and heart to all the amazing things that make up our world. You'll explore the little details and the big landscapes, finding magic in everyday moments and the quiet connections between everything. It’s a wonderful reminder that the world is full of surprises, waiting to be discovered by curious minds just like yours. Get ready to think, wonder, and appreciate the beauty all around!

Sheila Rae is absolutely fearless. She is not afraid of the dark, she is not afraid of the monsters in the closet, and she certainly is not afraid of the neighborhood stray dogs. She confidently walks backwards with her eyes closed, steps on every single crack in the sidewalk, and loves to show off her bravery to her younger sister, Louise. Poor Louise is a self-proclaimed scaredy cat who admires her older sister's bold spirit. But one afternoon, Sheila Rae decides to take a brand new route home from school and suddenly realizes she is completely lost. The fearless sister is suddenly terrified, and the shadows look much bigger than before. Just when Sheila Rae needs help the most, it is quiet, cautious Louise who steps up to save the day. Discover a heartwarming and funny story about sibling teamwork, hidden courage, and finding bravery when it matters most.

Sophie is about to face the longest weekend of her life. Wendell is coming to stay at her house, and he has a very bossy way of playing. When they play house, Wendell gets to be the mother, the father, and all five children, while Sophie is stuck playing the family dog. When they play bakery, Wendell is the baker, and Sophie has to be a sweet roll. From shining a flashlight in her eyes at bedtime to giving her a brand new hairdo with shaving cream, Wendell pushes every single boundary. Sophie is miserable and ready to give up on the visit entirely. But just when things seem unbearable, Sophie decides she has had enough. She invents a brand new game that turns the tables, leaving Wendell completely speechless. Find out how standing up for yourself can change everything and even save a friendship.

Sheila Rae has a long, delicious peppermint stick, and she is thoroughly enjoying every single second of it. Her little sister, Louise, is watching closely and wants nothing more than a tiny taste of the sweet, striped candy. But Sheila Rae is not in the mood to share. Instead of breaking off a piece, she decides to tease Louise, showing off the candy and making it look as irresistible as possible. She licks it, waves it around, and makes Louise beg for just one bite. Louise tries everything she can think of to convince her stubborn older sister to hand over the treat. Just when it seems like Louise will never get a taste, a sudden and surprising twist changes everything. Dive into a funny, relatable story about sibling rivalry, sharing, and the hilarious moments that happen when brothers and sisters go head-to-head over a favorite sweet treat.

Up and down, over and under, through and around! Join five big, brightly colored elephants as they embark on a joyful march from dawn until dusk. Where are these magnificent creatures going, and what will they do when they finally arrive? You will have to follow along to find out! This delightful and engaging story is filled with rhythm, repetition, and beautiful pastel illustrations that make reading fun. As you march along with the elephant parade, you will discover basic concepts like numbers, shapes, and opposites, while exploring the differences between day and night. With its playful language and adorable characters, this is the perfect book to share during story time or as a soothing bedtime read. Get ready for a wonderful surprise at the end of the parade!

When a surprise package arrives in the mail from Gram, Penny the mouse is absolutely thrilled. Inside the box is a beautiful new doll, and she is perfectly lovely from her head down to her tiny toes. Penny falls in love with her immediately. Excited to show off her new friend, Penny introduces the doll to Mama, the babies, and Papa. But when Papa asks what the doll's name is, Penny freezes. She suddenly realizes she has no idea! Finding the absolute perfect name for such a special toy turns out to be a much bigger challenge than she expected. Join Penny on a sweet and relatable problem-solving adventure. You will love reading along as this curious little mouse brainstorms the best possible name for her new companion. With easy-to-read chapters and charming illustrations, it is the perfect story for anyone who has ever loved a special toy.

Lilly thinks her new baby brother, Julius, is absolutely dreadful. If he were a number, he would be zero. She is completely convinced that his arrival is the worst thing to ever happen in their house. But everything changes when Cousin Garland comes to visit. Garland dares to criticize little Julius, and suddenly, Lilly feels a fierce spark of loyalty. Nobody gets to insult her baby brother except her! Before she knows it, Lilly is forcing her cousin to loudly admire Julius as the true baby of the world. This hilarious and heartwarming story captures the exact feeling of getting a new sibling. You will laugh out loud as Lilly navigates her big emotions, learning that even when a new baby turns your world upside down, family is still family. It is a perfect read for anyone who has ever had to share the spotlight.

Watch the world transform as the cold winter melts away. Before spring arrives, the trees look like dark sticks, the grass is brown, and the ground is covered in a thick blanket of snow. But if you wait just a little while, you will see leaves unfurl and bright flowers begin to blossom. The grass turns a vibrant green, and the mounds of snow shrink until they disappear completely. Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain, mud, and wonderful puddles to splash in. You can feel the warmer air, smell the fresh earth, and hear the sounds of nature waking up. This beautiful exploration of the changing seasons uses striking imagery and gentle repetition to celebrate the magic of nature. Step outside and discover the joyful transformation from a quiet, chilly winter to a bright and newborn spring.

Bailey wants nothing more than to go camping. His older brother and sister are heading out on an exciting trip with the Bunny Scouts, and Bailey is desperate to join them. But there is one big problem: he is just too young to go along. Feeling left behind and disappointed, Bailey watches them leave and wishes he could sleep in a tent, eat marshmallows, and tell stories in the dark. Luckily, his parents have a brilliant plan to turn his frown upside down. If Bailey cannot go to the campsite, they will bring the campsite to him. With a little imagination, the living room transforms into a wilderness adventure. From indoor fishing to roasting hot dogs, Bailey discovers that you do not need to leave your home to have a spectacular camping trip. Join Bailey on a cozy, creative journey that proves fun can happen absolutely anywhere.

Penny the mouse has just come home from school, and she is bursting with excitement. She has made up a brand new song, and it is absolutely wonderful. She cannot wait to stand in the living room and sing it at the top of her lungs for her parents. But there is a big problem: the babies are fast asleep. Mama and Papa gently tell Penny that she must be quiet so she does not wake them up. Penny tries her best to be patient, but the song is bubbling up inside her, just waiting to be sung. She hums it quietly, she taps her feet, and she wonders if the right time will ever come. When the babies finally wake up, Penny realizes that her special song might be exactly what the whole family needs. Join Penny in a sweet and relatable story about patience, creativity, and sharing your talents with the people you love.

Jump into the wonders of fall with this beautiful picture book! What happens when autumn arrives? Open this book and watch the world transform into a riot of warm colors. Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes invites you to discover all the amazing changes that happen in fall. See leaves turn from green to brilliant red, orange, and yellow. Feel the crisp air and hear the crunch underfoot. From tiny acorns falling to the ground to colorful birds flying south, every page is a gentle journey through this special time of year. You'll love it because it celebrates the cozy beauty of fall with lovely words and vivid paintings. It’s a perfect read to enjoy the season and notice all the details around you.