Finding Things

Kevin Henkes has been praised both as a writer and as an illustrator and is the recipient of the Children’s Literature Legacy Award for his lasting contribution to literature for children. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon; Caldecott Honors for Waiting and Owen; two Newbery Honors, one for Olive’s Ocean and one for The Year of Billy Miller; and Geisel Honors for Waiting and Penny and Her Marble. His other books include The World and Everything in It, A House, A Parade of Elephants, Chrysanthemum, and the beloved Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin.Laura Dronzek is a painter whose work has been exhibited nationally. Her picture books include Moonlight, by Helen V. Griffith; It Is Night, by Phyllis Rowand; White Is for Blueberry, by George Shannon; Little Houses, by Kevin Henkes; and a quartet of seasonal picture books also by Kevin Henkes. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

“When a seemingly throwaway piece of text, like an object that is lost, sticks around long enough to turn into a story, that’s a picture book. When the illustrations elevate the words the way these do, that’s a masterpiece. A manual for constructing a contented life, this book makes children look deeper and behave with deliberation.” — School Library Journal (starred review)“In a straightforward narrative that speaks directly to children, Henkes reflects on the treasures that are hidden in plain sight, just waiting for someone to see their potential. . . . The text is utterly true to a kid’s world in acknowledging limits. . . . This well-crafted picture book is simple, intriguing, and well attuned to its audience.” — Booklist (starred review)“Serendipitously encountered objects present themselves as truly valuable in this compact, thoughtful story about paradise found.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)“An ode to noticing the little things. . . . Using no more words than you might find in a beginning reader, Henkes once again demonstrates his mastery for boiling a story down to its most essential parts. . . all painted with bright acrylic colors that pop off the page. Each element is as accessible as it is ripe for speculation. Found objects sometimes yield the simplest pleasures. Consider this book one such example.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“The story taps into the inherent caretaking tendencies of many young children. . . . Perfect for emerging readers. . . . Tableaux, dominated by simple square shapes, are reduced to their essentials: ball, flower, box, kitten—all “happy” in a warm home because the child took the time to notice them.” — Horn Book Magazine