Kevin Henkes was born in Racine, Wisconsin in the year 1960. Growing up, his neighborhood growing up was filled with tight knit families. In his family alone there were five children. Being a part of such a large family taught him many life long lessons about how to form relationships and get along with others. These lessons are often reflected in his children's books. Henkes says, "Growing up with four siblings teaches you a lot about interpersonal relationships." For example, the book, Chrysanthemum, is about a little mouse going off to Kindergarten for the first time. Henkes says, "The book is about family, and how starting something new and going out into the world can be very hard. I remember going to kindergarten -- my grandfather had a beautiful rose garden, and he gave me the last roses of the season to bring to the kindergarten teacher the next day. I don't even remember how it happened, but an older kid took these flowers from me on the playground and a remember coming home, feeling awful. My father picked me up from school the next day; kids were streaming out of the school and my father wanted me to point out the kid. I remember seeing the kid and deciding not to tell that he was the one who did it. It was my first step into the world, making those hard decisions. But I also remember the feeling of coming home from school each day and feeling elated to be home. No matter what happened in school, you could walk through the back door and feel good."
Originally, Kevin Henkes always dreamed of being an artist. However, during his senior year of high school he developed an interest in writing. This led him to attend college at The University of Wisconsin in Madison. Almost immediately, he began writing and sometimes self illustrating children's books. Henkes took of a semester of his sophomore year to work with the publishing company, Greenwillow Books. He published his first book, All Alone, in 1981.
Henkes thrived as an author of children’s books. He is well known for many famous characters in his thirteen self-illustrated “mouse books.” Many reoccurring themes appear throughout these books. They teach lessons to children about trying new things, listening, apologizing, and family relationships. He uses many of his own life experiences and memories of his childhood to help make these books very authentic and realistic. Throughout his career, he has written thirty five picture books and twelve novels. Henkes is the winner of the many awards including the Caldecott Medal and a Newberry Honor.
Currently, Kevin Henkes continues to write and illustrate more books. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin with his wife Laura and their two children.
Originally, Kevin Henkes always dreamed of being an artist. However, during his senior year of high school he developed an interest in writing. This led him to attend college at The University of Wisconsin in Madison. Almost immediately, he began writing and sometimes self illustrating children's books. Henkes took of a semester of his sophomore year to work with the publishing company, Greenwillow Books. He published his first book, All Alone, in 1981.
Henkes thrived as an author of children’s books. He is well known for many famous characters in his thirteen self-illustrated “mouse books.” Many reoccurring themes appear throughout these books. They teach lessons to children about trying new things, listening, apologizing, and family relationships. He uses many of his own life experiences and memories of his childhood to help make these books very authentic and realistic. Throughout his career, he has written thirty five picture books and twelve novels. Henkes is the winner of the many awards including the Caldecott Medal and a Newberry Honor.
Currently, Kevin Henkes continues to write and illustrate more books. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin with his wife Laura and their two children.