Best Selling Books by Kevin Henkes

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemum loved her name—until she started school. A terrific read-aloud for the classroom and libraries!

Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes’s award-winning Penny returns in the third I Can Read story about a sweet and curious mouse, perfect for fans of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Chrysanthemum. When Penny spots a marble in Mrs. Goodwin''s front yard, she picks it up, puts it in her pocket, and takes it home. It''s a beautiful marble—it''s big, shiny, blue, smooth, and fast, and Penny loves it. But does the marble really belong to Penny? Penny and Her Marble was named a 2014 Geisel Honor book by the American Library Association. This annual award, given to the most distinguished books for beginning readers, is named for the world-renowned children''s author Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. Kevin Henkes is a master at creating beautifully illustrated books that resonate with young children. The Penny books are new classics for beginning readers and will appeal to fans of Frog and Toad, Little Bear, and Henry and Mudge. Penny and Her Marble is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it''s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own. Don''t miss Penny''s newest adventures in Penny and Her Sled!

“I like croquet and peanut butter and making my bed.” There is only one way for Chester to do things—his own way. “You definitely have a mind of your own,” said Chester’s mother. “That’s one way to put it,” said Chester’s father. Luckily Chester’s best friend, Wilson, likes doing things just the same way as Chester. When they cut their sandwiches, it''s always diagonally. When they ride their bikes, they always use hand signals. If Chester is hungry, Wilson is too. They''re two of a kind—until indomitable Lilly, who has her own way of doing things, moves into the neighborhood. Because Lilly has her own way of doing things! Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly''s Purple Plastic Purse, Kitten''s First Full Moon, and Chrysanthemum, Chester''s Way is a classic picture book about friendship for kids ages 3-7. With sweet good humor and charming pictures, the book''s themes of making new friends, accepting others, and trying new things resonate when curled up with a parent or at story time.

Spoon Gilmore has been dreaming about his grandmother since her death two months ago, but the dreams are beginning to grow fuzzy and come less and less frequently. Afraid that soon even his memories of her will disappear, he sets out in search of the perfect thing to remember her by. When Spoon finds it, he quietly takes it to his room to cherish privately, making sure that his annoying little sister, Joanie, doesn''t follow him in as usual. But soon Spoon realizes he''s made a big mistake. Will things ever be right without Gram around?

"A beautifully written, rich, and tender novel.” —The Horn Book (starred review) Blaze Werla is having a routine summer. He spends his days alone, wandering around the hill next door, and his nights awake, avoiding the dreams that haunt him. Then a message appears on the side of the hill and Blaze''s predictable summer suddenly takes a turn toward the mysterious. By the time he meets outgoing Joselle Stark, Blaze finds himself in entirely new territory, where the unexpected seems almost normal. “An outstanding book, one of the year’s best.”—Kirkus Multiple award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Kevin Henkes brings his insightful, gentle, real-world insight to middle grade novels, including: Billy Miller Makes a Wish Bird Lake Moon The Birthday Room Junonia Olive''s Ocean Protecting Marie Sun & Spoon Sweeping Up the Heart Two Under Par Words of Stone The Year of Billy Miller The Zebra Wall

The riotously funny Lilly, last seen in Chester''s Way (Greenwillow), thinks her new baby brother, Julius, is disgusting -- if he was a number, he would be zero. But when Cousin Garland dares to criticize Julius, Lilly bullies her into loudly admiring Julius as the baby of the world.Lilly knows her baby brother is nothing but dreadful -- until she claims him for her own. "Henkes displays a deep understanding of sibling rivalry and a child''s fragile self-esteem....Lilly is a superb and timely heroine." -- Publishers Weekly. "

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can''t wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. Lilly''s fury leads to revenge and then to remorse and she sets out to make amends. Lilly, the star of Chester''s Way and Julius, the Baby of the World, is back. And this time she has her name in the title - something she''s wanted all along. If you thought Lilly was funny before, you are in for a treat. So hurry up and start reading. Lilly can''t wait for you to find out more about her.

How can she help falling in love with the perfect dog? Fanny has wanted a dog all her life. For a brief moment her dream came true, but then her father decided the puppy brought too much chaos to his neat, ordered home. Fanny has never been able to forgive him for it. So when Fanny''s father brings home a new, older dog, she''s not sure she can trust him. She reasons that perhaps she shouldn''t get too attached, in case this one is taken from her as well. This is Fanny’s story—a story about wanting and getting and realizing that nothing is simple or easy. “Moving and heartwarming,” —VOYA Multiple award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Kevin Henkes brings his insightful, gentle, real-world insight to middle grade novels, including: Billy Miller Makes a Wish Bird Lake Moon The Birthday Room Junonia Olive''s Ocean Protecting Marie Sun & Spoon Sweeping Up the Heart Two Under Par Words of Stone The Year of Billy Miller The Zebra Wall

The girl in this book grows chocolate rabbits, tomatoes as big as beach balls, flowers that change color, and seashells in her garden. How does your garden grow?

It started out as a bad day for little yellow bird, little white dog, little orange fox, and little brown squirrel. Until . . . A discovery, and love, and luck and persistence, and a different point of view changed all that. What can turn a bad day into a good day? You decide.

A sun. A flower. And a lion. With three visual motifs, three colors, and fewer than 200 words, renowned Caldecott Medalist and #1 New York Times-bestseller Kevin Henkes cracks open the wide world and the youngest child’s endless imagination. This irresistible picture book is a must-have for every reader and every family. On a warm morning, a little lion sleeps under a sun that shines so brightly, it looks like a flower. He dreams the flower is as big as the sun. He dreams the flower is a cookie. He lets his imagination soar. Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes uses simple shapes, limited colors, and a pitch-perfect text to tell Lion’s story in this transcendent picture book. Sun Flower Lion introduces emerging readers to short chapters, action verbs, and adjectives, while bright illustrations transform simple shapes into something magical. Sun Flower Lion will shine at story time and bedtime and for young children just learning how to read on their own.

Told in alternating voices, this smart and engaging middle grade novel from the beloved Kevin Henkes is the story of two boys coming together in friendship as they struggle with family conflicts and tragedy. There are ghosts at Bird Lake, and they''re haunting Mitch and Spencer. Not the Halloween kind, but ghosts of the past. Memories of how life was before—before the divorce, before the accident. Can their ghosts bring Mitch and Spencer together, as friends? Or will their secrets keep them apart? Mitch feels isolated at his grandparents’ house and can’t help hating his father, who walked out on him and his mom two and a half weeks earlier. Spencer’s family has decided it’s finally time to return to Bird Lake, years after his brother, Matty, drowned there. Both boys arrive at the lake scarred and fragile, but as they become friends, the sharp edges of their lives smooth out and, slowly, they are able to start healing. “Superbly crafted. A ‘must have’ for every library.” —School Library Journal (starred review) “In a novel as tender as his acclaimed Olive’s Ocean, Henkes probes the psyches of two boys facing family conflicts.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Delightfully superb.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Henkes is a master.”—The Horn Book (starred review) “Captivating. ”—Booklist (starred review) A stand-alone companion to two-time Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes’s award-winning, bestselling, and acclaimed The Year of Billy Miller and Billy Miller Makes a Wish. This short, humorous, and accessible novel for newly independent readers stars Billy’s younger sister, Sal, and chronicles an eventful holiday season at the Miller house. Oh, Sal is illustrated in black-and-white throughout by the author, and is perfect for fans of Ramona, Ivy + Bean, and Dory Fantasmagory. The Miller family is celebrating its first holiday with the new baby. Billy is excited that Uncle Jake is visiting, but nothing about this holiday season is making Billy’s little sister Sal happy. The baby is a noisy nuisance and hogging all of Mama’s attention. Plus, the baby doesn’t even have a name yet. To make matters worse, Sal lost the very best gift that Santa gave her! Will Sal find her present? Will the Millers find a name for the baby? Will Billy always be an annoying big brother? The holiday season (and life with the Millers) is full of surprises—and warmth, kindness, family, celebration, and love—in the hands of award-winning author Kevin Henkes. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white art by the author, Oh, Sal is an excellent choice for early elementary grades, as well as a terrific family and classroom read-aloud for any time of the year. A stand-alone companion to The Year of Billy Miller (a Newbery Honor Book) and Billy Miller Makes a Wish.

What a night! The moon is full. Kitten is hungry and inquisitive and brave and fast and persistent and unlucky . . . then lucky! What a night!

Meet Penny, the sweet and curious mouse, in Caldecott Medalist and bestselling author Kevin Henkes’s instant classic story for young readers, perfect for fans Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Chrysanthemum. When Penny comes home from school, she is ready to sing her song. But the babies are sleeping, and Mama and Papa are worried that Penny will wake them up. Oh, but it is a good song, a really wonderful song . . . and Penny wants more than anything to sing it. Will it ever be the right time to sing it? Penny and Her Song is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it''s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Kevin Henkes is a master at creating beautifully illustrated books that resonate with young children. The Penny books are new classics for beginning readers and will appeal to fans of Frog and Toad, Little Bear, and Henry and Mudge. Don''t miss Penny''s newest adventures in Penny and Her Sled!

Mr. Slinger has big news. He''s getting married. Married! Lilly has big plans. She''s going to be the flower girl. (Lilly has always wanted to be a flower girl. Even more than a surgeon or a diva or a hairdresser.) But what''s the biggest, the best, the most perfect thing of all? You''re invited to the wedding -- so start reading!

One bright spring day a little white rabbit sets out from home on an adventure. What does he find? Look! Everything is new.Anything is possible. . . .

Snug and warm, curled and furry, Old Bear sleeps. Red, orange, and brown leaves fly through the air, and it is snowing hard. Old Bear doesn''t notice. Old Bear is dreaming about being a cub again. He is dreaming about the beauty of the world. He is dreaming of everything he loves about the forest that is his home. Turn the page and you will see!

Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start.And Wemberly worried even more. If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you.

Ten-year-old Wedge wants his old life back—the one that made sense. Instead, he has a brand-new stepfamily and a new house far away from his friends. Plus his bedroom window faces a seven-foot castle that marks the eighteenth hole of his stepfather''s miniature golf course. Can Wedge really respect a man who wears a plastic crown and calls himself "King"? It''s a lot to deal with, but Wedge may not have a choice. If he wants to be happy, he''ll have to accept his new life—crazy as it is. “Reflects a great deal of sensitivity to emotional issues." —Booklist “Touching and funny.” —Publishers Weekly Multiple award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Kevin Henkes brings his insightful, gentle, real-world insight to middle grade novels, including: Billy Miller Makes a Wish Bird Lake Moon The Birthday Room Junonia Olive''s Ocean Protecting Marie Sun & Spoon Sweeping Up the Heart Two Under Par Words of Stone The Year of Billy Miller The Zebra Wall

A brilliant, touching coming-of-age story, and a Newbery Honor Book. Martha Boyle and Olive Barstow could have been friends, but they weren''t. Weeks after a tragic accident, all that is left are eerie connections between the two girls, former classmates who both kept the same secret without knowing it. Now, even while on vacation at the ocean, Martha can''t stop thinking about Olive. Things only get more complicated when Martha begins to like Jimmy Manning, a neighbor boy she used to despise. What is going on? Can life for Martha be the same ever again? Multiple award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Kevin Henkes brings his insightful, gentle, real-world insight to middle grade novels, including: Billy Miller Makes a Wish Bird Lake Moon The Birthday Room Junonia Olive''s Ocean Protecting Marie Sun & Spoon Sweeping Up the Heart Two Under Par Words of Stone The Year of Billy Miller The Zebra Wall

It''s been only two months since Spoon Gilmore''s grandmother died, but already he''s worried that he''ll forget her. He needs to own something of Gran''s, something special. But Spoon''s little sister, Joanie, won''t give him time alone to think, even when they go to their grandfather''s house. What happens there will stay with readers long after they finish Sun & Spoon. Kevin Henkes''s innate understanding of childhood illuminates his work with a rare glow." Henkes offers another meticulously crafted, quietly engaging epiphany...Infused with the same good humor, wisdom, and respect for children''s hearts and minds that characterize all his works." -- Kirkus Reviews, pointer review" Once again, Henkes captures young angst with respect and honesty....Images of supportive parents and love between generations shine through." -- School Library Journal, starred review

Bo was spending the summer with Grandpa. they walked and fished and made thing together. They celebrated Christmas together -- a very special summer Christmas. But best of all, they talked and laughed and talked some more. And when they finally saw the shooting star at the end of the summer, there was no question the their wishes would be the same.

Wendell was spending the weekend at Sophie''s house. Playing house, Wendell was the mother, the father, and the children; Sophie was the dog. Playing bakery, Wendell was the baker; Sophie got to be the sweet roll. Wendell shone his flashlight in Sophie''s eyes when she tried to sleep. But when he gave her a new hairdo with shaving cream, it was the last straw, and Sophie made up a game that left Wendell speechless for a time -- and won the day for friendship.

Not just an ordinary birthday... "Two of the things Benjamin Hunter received for his twelfth birthday took him completely by surprise: A room and a letter. The room was from his parents. The letter was from his uncle." Ben was just two years old when he and his uncle, Ian, were last together, so Ben didn''t remember him. And no one in Ben''s family ever talked about the man. Then the letter arrived, changing Ben''s life, and changing his family in unexpected ways. And there was the birthday room... Multiple award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Kevin Henkes brings his insightful, gentle, real-world insight to middle grade novels, including: Billy Miller Makes a Wish Bird Lake Moon The Birthday Room Junonia Olive''s Ocean Protecting Marie Sun & Spoon Sweeping Up the Heart Two Under Par Words of Stone The Year of Billy Miller The Zebra Wall

New York Times–bestselling and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes follows five joyful elephants as they march from dawn to dusk. Where are they going? Read and find out! This engaging picture book is just right for the youngest reader and is a perfect choice for story time and bedtime sharing. Up and down, over and under, through and around . . . five big and brightly colored elephants are on a mission in this picture book for young children by Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes. Where are they going? What will they do when they get there? It’s a surprise! With a text shimmering with repetition and rhythm, bright pastel illustrations, large and readable type, and an adorable parade of elephants, Kevin Henkes introduces basic concepts such as numbers, shapes, adjectives, adverbs, and daytime and nighttime. A Parade of Elephants is an ALA Notable Book and an excellent choice for story time as well as bedtime sharing.

When you are alone, you can do all sorts of things -- pretend you are tiny (or enormous), hear things other people can''t hear, and see things they can''t see. Being alone is fine -- sometimes. Kevin Henke''s first book makes it clear that he remembers his own childhood and respects that time in others. His remarkable paintings have a life and luminescense that are unforgettable.

Sheila Rae, the Brave is a warm, humorous, and loving story of sibling sympathy and support. Just because Sheila Rae is older, she doesn''t always know better! This classic picture book about overcoming fear is written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly''s Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten''s First Full Moon. "I am very brave," Sheila Rae said, patting herself on the back. She wasn''t afraid of anything—not thunder, not lightning, not the big black dog at the end of the block. And when she wanted to walk home a new way and Louise wouldn''t, she called her sister a scaredy-cat and set out alone. But all the bravado in the world failed to help when Sheila Rae found herself lost. Luckily, her sister was not far behind. "Children will love it."—School Library Journal

“A gentle story of patience.”—Horn Book (starred review) Caldecott Medal–winner Kevin Henkes’s award-winning and bestselling mouse, Penny, stars in an irresistible story about anticipation, disappointment, and a brand-new sled. Told in five short chapters, Penny and Her Sled is perfect for reading alone, reading aloud, and sharing together. When Penny, a sweet and curious mouse, gets a new sled, she can’t wait to use it. But there’s one big problem—there’s no snow! Patiently, Penny waits and watches for the snow to appear. She puts on her scarf and hat. She sleeps with her mittens. Maybe if she’s ready, the snow will finally come. But day after day, the snow does not arrive. Finally, Penny decides she will use her sled for other things—it’s too wonderful not to! With a little imagination, the sled becomes a bridge for her glass animals to cross. It becomes a bed for her doll, Rose. It becomes a magic carpet that takes Penny and Rose on adventures all around the world. And as Penny waits for a snowfall that may never appear, she learns all about the power of patience, imagination, play . . . and spring! Told in five short chapters, and with an emphasis on family and patience, Penny and Her Sled is the perfect choice for emergent readers and for family sharing.

Kevin Henkes''s acclaimed national bestseller about a kitten, the moon, and a bowl of milk was awarded the Caldecott Medal and was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. This sturdy board book edition is perfect for little hands! Kitten''s First Full Moon is an acclaimed modern classic, from one of the most celebrated and beloved picture book creators working in the field today. This memorable character and her suspenseful adventure are just right for the very youngest child. 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. What a night! A concise story, large type, and luminescent pictures play second fiddle to the true star of this book: a brave young kitten who sets out into the world on a quest that leaves her bruised, bewildered, and hungry, but that ultimately leads her back home, where something special is waiting just for her. This perfectly sized board book edition introduces Kitten to a new generation of the youngest readers. Winner of the Caldecott Medal, an ALA Notable Book, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book, and winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts

Someone just woke up. Quietly she moves around the house. Everyone else is still asleep... A perfect Good Morning for early -- and late -- risers.

Caldecott Honor and Geisel Honor Book What are you waiting for? An owl, a puppy, a bear, a rabbit, and a pig—all toys arranged on a child’s windowsill—wait for marvelous things to happen in this irresistible picture book by the New York Times–bestselling and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes. Five friends sit happily on a windowsill, waiting for something amazing to happen. The owl is waiting for the moon. The pig is waiting for the rain. The bear is waiting for the wind. The puppy is waiting for the snow. And the rabbit is just looking out the window because he likes to wait! What will happen? Will patience win in the end? Or someday will the friends stop waiting and do something unexpected? Waiting is a big part of childhood—waiting in line, waiting to grow up, waiting for something special to happen—but in this book, a child sets the stage and pulls the strings. Timeless, beautiful, and deeply heartfelt, this picture book about imaginative play, the seasons, friendship, and surprises marks a new pinnacle in Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes’s extraordinary career. “The short sentences of the text flow with the precision one would expect from a master picture-book creator like Henkes. Little ones, to whom each experience is new, will know what it’s like to dream and wait.”—ALA Booklist

Watch the world transform when spring comes! SLJ writes, ''''A must-have, joyful seasonal title for the youngest listeners.'''' (starred review) Booklist writes ''''Lyrical and elegant..'''' (starred review) Horn writes ''''joyful reflection'''' (starred review)

Birds come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Birds are magic. Birds are everywhere. If you listen very carefully you will hear them, no matter where you live. And if you look very closely you will see them, no matter where you are. And if you can''t go outside right this minute, you can always read this book!

From Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes and the acclaimed painter Laura Dronzek, the bestselling and award-winning creators of Birds and In the Middle of Fall, this sturdy board book edition of When Spring Comes is perfect for the very youngest readers. Watch the world transform when spring comes! In a starred review, School Library Journal called this delightful picture book, “A must-have, joyful seasonal title for the youngest listeners.” Before spring comes, the trees are dark sticks, the grass is brown, and the ground is covered in snow. But if you wait, leaves unfurl and flowers blossom, the grass turns green, and the mounds of snow shrink and shrink. Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain and mud, and puddles. You can feel it and smell it and hear it—and you can read it! In this beautiful board book edition for young children, Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes uses striking imagery, repetition, and alliteration to introduce basic concepts of language and the changing of the seasons. And acclaimed artist Laura Dronzek’s gorgeous, lush paintings show the transformation from quiet, cold winter to the newborn spring. In a starred review, The Horn Book said, “This joyful reflection is as welcome as spotting the first brave crocus.”

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse is twenty! In 1986, Lilly—award-winning author Kevin Henkes’s exuberant and beloved mouse character—finally got her first starring role with the publication of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. As USA Today proclaimed, “Lilly is one of the great female characters in literature—like Anna Karenina with whiskers or Scarlett O’Hara with paws.” A modern classic, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse has sold more than one million copies and was named to ten “best of the year” lists. This special twentieth anniversary edition features a letter from Kevin Henkes about Lilly printed inside the book, and a celebratory and sparkly foil jacket.

Shhh. They''re sleeping now... In the big, square house live the two circle dogs. When the sun comes up and the baby cries, the circle dogs wake up. With a flip-flap of their tails, they''re ready to play in a big square yard. They like to eat and take a nap. Then it''s time to play again. And when night comes, the circle dogs like to sleep and sleep and sleep. Shhh...