Of course the parents see and understand nothing. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the preschooler won't either and a child old enough to appreciate the hamster goings-on will no longer care about bedtime rituals. Kevin Henkes is the only one of these three who does not illustrate his own new picture book. Henkes is best knowing for his mice characters like Lilly of purple plastic purse fame who is also the sister of Julius Baby of the World. Henkes knows, like no one else, how to express emotions in the language of the young child.
Past works have themes of shame, pride, confusion, and sibling rivalry.
His newest book, Circle Dogs , is a younger concept book that tries to merge shapes with story. The retro illustrations by Dan Yaccarino are as flat and monotonous as the text. Too many successful artists stop experimenting when they've achieved near perfect picture books. Perfect picture books for very young children are exacting. They must match a child's emotional, experiential, and interest development.