Charlotte Zolotow Award

Henkes, K. (2004). Kitten's first full moon. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Genre: Fiction - Realistic Fiction

When Kitten sees a full moon for the first time, she tries to follow it and lick it. She experiences failure but when she returns home, a full bowl of milk is waiting for her.

Children like stories about animals and they can especially relate to Kitten’s feelings in the book.

I would use this book as a bedtime story or during story time for young children.

This book has several opportunities for text-to-self connections in a discussion about feelings. When do you feel sad? Tired? Scared? Etc.

Graham, B. (2008). How to heal a broken wing. Candlewick.

Genre: Fiction - Realistic Fiction

In a large metropolitan city, Will is the only person who notices an injured bird lying on the pavement. With the help of his parents, Will learns how to let time AND hope heal a broken wing. This book contains more body language than text and the message is still very clear to children.

This book could be shared in a small group but the illustrations are better understood after much exploration. The illustrations contain several details, soft coloring (with spotlighted characters), and even symmetry in architecture and various objects. Reading facial cues and body language are important life lessons and this book would be a good introduction.

Willems, M. (2004). Knuffle bunny, a cautionary tale. New York, NY: Hyperion.

Genre: Fiction - Humor

Trixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny go to the Landromat but only Trixie and Daddy return. Daddy cannot understand Trixie’s pleas for help until Mom intervenes. When Trixie sees Knuffle Bunny, she speaks for the first time.

Young children relate to losing a “lovey” and non-readers can understand the story without reading the words. The illustrations are very interesting, too.

Due to the subject matter, I would use this book for story time with young children.

This book is a nice introduction to a lesson about feelings. How do you feel when things get lost? What do you do? Scream? Whine? Ask for help? Role play different scenarios and brainstorm positive solutions. 

Charlotte Zolotow Award