birth date on Nov. 27, 1960, in Recine, Wisc.

He is one of five children and always wanted to be an artist, and it was in his junior year in high school that he decided he wanted to write and illustrate children’s books. Visiting the library and a local art museum near his home were regular outings. Many of his stories are motivated by family and neighborhoods where he grew up.

Henkes was 19 and an art student at the University of Wisconsin when his first book, “All Alone,” was published. He is the only author to receive the Caldecott Honor and the Geisel Honor for the same book, Waiting. He has also been awarded the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon and two Newbery Honors for his books, “Olive’s Ocean” and “The Year of Billy Miller.” “Kitten’s First Full Moon” was added to the Picture Book Hall of Fame in 2017, while “The Year of Billy Miller” and “Waiting” were both on the New York Times bestselling list. Most of his popular books feature a group of mice, and their adventures and concerns clone those of children worldwide. His most popular book is “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse,” which is written for preschoolers through 4th graders. In 2020, he was awarded the Children’s Literature Legacy Award.

Henkes and his wife artist Laura Dronzek live in Madison, Wisc. with their son Will and daughter Clara.

We have his (B-2) book “Kitten’s First Full Moon” and (YAF) “Olive’s Ocean.”

The December Library calendar themes celebrate Learn a Foreign Language Month, Read a New Book Month, Safe Toys and Gifts Month and Stress-Free Family Holidays Month.

We wish all our patrons and friends a Happy Thanksgiving!