“I
think writers are observers and watchers. We always have our ears open and eyes
open, so I might see something in everyday life that inspires me. And I think
that's probably more than anything else. Everyday life is where I get my
inspiration.” – Kevin Henkes
Born on this date in 1960, Henkes is
both writer and illustrator of children's books. As illustrator, he won the Caldecott Medal
for Kitten's First Full Moon and Waiting,
which also won the coveted Geisel Honor Book award – only the second time in
history that a book has won both awards.
As writer, his books Olive's Ocean and The Year of Billy
Miller won the Newbery.
A native of Racine, Wis., he has
been writing and illustrating children’s books for 30 years. “It’s the only
real job I’ve ever had.” 
Growing up as an avid reader, he said library trips were a family ritual
and one he highly recommends. He started writing as a teenager and his
first picture book was accepted for
publication when he was just 19 and an art major at the University of
Wisconsin.
Growing up as an avid reader, he said library trips were a family ritual
and one he highly recommends. He started writing as a teenager and his
first picture book was accepted for
publication when he was just 19 and an art major at the University of
Wisconsin.
For writers thinking about children’s
books, he said, “You don't need to have kids to write a good book for kids. I
don't want my kids to see themselves in my books. Their lives should be their
lives. “
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