Kevin Henkes – Cannonball Read 17

More Kevin Henkes…The Year of Billy Miller–Worthy of a Newbery Honor?

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

November 11, 2025 by BigNerdes Leave a Comment

After reading Newbery-Honor recipient The Year of Billy Miller, I wondered if it was similar to the actress who finally gets her coveted Oscar for what feels like her body of work than the film itself? I did enjoy the book, but I don’t know if it’s worthy of this special award.. I thought that The Year of Billy Miller was probably for the 3rd/4th grade learner, but after reading it, I think it’s more of a second-grade reading level (perhaps even later first grade). […]

A Small Collection of Kevin Henkes–Writing for Kids of All Ages

Owen by Kevin Henkes

November 9, 2025 by BigNerdes Leave a Comment

When I began teaching first grade, I immediately noticed that my students seemed do LOVE Kevin Henkes books, particularly his “mouse” books. The main characters in these books include Lilly, Chrysanthemum, Owen, and Julian. In the years since, I’ve worked with early elementary students from many backgrounds, and they all seem to be equally entranced by Henke’s writing! Even more interesting—Henkes expanded into chapter books for students from approximately 3rd-8th grades. As I was seeking my education degree, I even did a research project […]

Old fashion feel to a book of today

Sweeping Up the Heart by Kevin Henkes

January 17, 2022 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Sweeping Up the Heart is a cute little book by Kevin Henkes. Known mostly for his picture books, he has created some lovely middle reader novels. However, the adult reader will realize that they have seen the subject, the message, before. This is not fresh, but for the aged 8 to 10 (or even up to a younger 12) it is a nice story of change and friendship. The subject centers around loss (via death and divorce), friendships (new and old), family, and love. Our […]

One sled and some bad jokes make for two new early readers

Penny and Her Sled by Kevin Henkes

Little Penguin’s New Friend by Tadgh Bentley

October 4, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

I do not read all of Kevin Henkes picture books and especially do not read his easier readers. (Or honesty, easy readers in general unless something really speaks to me). Yet, I was looking for something different and that different was when I found Penny and Her Sled by him. It was not either a picture book or an easy reader. But somehow both. This caught my attention. It is a sweet, cute and a fun not your usual snow book. Everything you know and […]

Celebrate the sights, sounds, and smells of the season

October 31, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

After my review of A Parade of Elephants, I was a little nervous about reading Winter is Here. However, I was excited to see that while I am not seeing his classic illustrations there is a story here. Of course, I still think this would be better as a board book then a normal sized picture book but could see myself buying this for a gift. Laura Dronzek is the reason the classic illustrations of Kevin Henkes are not there as she is the illustrator […]

Old Friend, New Style

October 31, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

The thing about recent Kevin Henkes books is that I do not see the illustration styles of Chrysanthemum, Owen or Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse anymore. What I have come to know as his style is gone. Therefore, I do not say, “THAT is a Kevin Henkes book” and I am no longer drawn to them. However, this is in the style of the more recent books, so if you prefer that, this is perfectly a representation of his style. I picked up A Parade of […]

Zirza on A Gothic Classic for a ReasonIt's one of those wish-you-could-read-it-again-for-the-first-time books. I loved it.
Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

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