Full Moons and Blooms with Kevin Henkes
- lindsey4824
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
When author and illustrator Kevin Henkes saw The Rabbit hOle’s exhibit based on his books, My Garden and Kitten’s First Full Moon he was brought to tears.
“Seeing the exhibit was one of the highlights of my 45 year career,” Kevin said after his visit. “When I show photos to friends I still get emotional.”
After more than a year of planning and fabrication, The Rabbit hOle’s newest exhibit opened at the end of May and we celebrated with two special events with Kevin.
“Kevin is one of the most impactful contemporary children’s book creators because of the attention and respect he gives to children and their perspectives,” said Rabbit hOle co-director Deb Pettid. “With that same spirit of care, this exhibit is designed for our youngest visitors to be able to explore and discover My Garden and Kitten’s First Full Moon in a soothing and semi-enclosed environment.”
During our adults-only evening on May 30, Kevin talked about his own childhood, his creative process, letters from young fans, and his aversion to change. (Kevin uses the Mickey Mouse Club Light Up Drawing Table that he’s had since childhood to create some of his illustrations.)
During the Q&A, attendees shared how Kevin’s books have impacted their children, classrooms and themselves.
In an especially moving exchange, attendee Deveneux asked Kevin about the origins of the book Chrysanthemum, sharing how as a kid with a long and unique name that book meant everything to her.
Deveneux during the Q&A and with Kevin, who signed a copy of Chrysanthemum for her.
“Ever since I was little I'd always wondered what the man behind the book that helped me regain appreciation for my name was like. I'm so glad he's every bit as warm, genuine, and inspiring as his works would suggest,” Deveneux said after the event. “It was an unforgettable, incredible experience and thinking back on these memories, getting to tell Kevin in person how Chrysanthemum helped me and shaped my perspective, makes my heart so full.”
Attendees were able to explore the new exhibit before and after the program, and enjoy a bouquet bar and themed Lilly’s Lavender Lemonade signature cocktail.
On Saturday, May 31, kids and families joined us for two presentations.
After Kevin read aloud both My Garden and Kitten's First Full Moon, answered questions, and signed books, attendees created My Garden-inspired crafts, and explored the new exhibit.
As part of our ongoing print series where children’s book creators respond to the prompt, “Reading is Resistance,” Kevin drew an image of a mouse atop a stack of books with spines that say things including Facts, Science, Justice and Empathy.
“Books are so incredible that if a kid can see him or herself in a book – which I think every kid should be able to – it gives one a sense of self, a feeling that I am not the only one, I belong to this larger group,” said Kevin, whose Newbery Honor-winning novel Olive’s Ocean was on the American Library Association’s Top 10 most challenged titles in 2007.
“If a kid sees a kid in a book that is different than he or she is, I think it helps bring empathy.… And really what’s shocking to me, every now and then when I look online where books are being criticized, and you can tell by the people who are making the comments that they haven’t read the book.”
The limited-edition collaborative print is available for in-store purchase at The Rabbit hOle's bookstore, Lucky Rabbit Books.
