Owen

Owen by Kevin Henkes

Caldecott Honor Book

Evaluation of Book

A cute baby mouse that loves his blanket is the star of Kevin Henkes picture book. His popular book, Owen, received the Caldecott Honor in 1994. In this story Owen loves his yellow blanket, “Fuzzy”. Unfortunately, his parents believe that since it’s time for Owen to start school he shouldn’t need it. Thankfully, his parents find a creative solution to the problem and now Owen carries a small piece of his blanket with him as a handkerchief.

Henkes’ approach to this topic is both humorous and realistic. The idea to be rid of the blankie actually comes from the nosey, neighbor Mrs. Tweezers. Families in real life are often fine with the current situation until someone else shares their opinion about how a situation should be handled. Mrs. Tweezers is this judgmental character in the story.

Through sweet watercolor and ink illustrations Henkes shares both viewpoints in the story. As the story begins Owen sits with his fuzzy yellow blanket and we learn that he’s had it since he was a baby. It’s a cherished item that he loves with his whole heart. Later we learn that his parents aren’t as fond of his dirty, torn and ratty blanket. Through compromise they are able to solve the blanket problem.

Response

Our daughter didn’t have a blanket but instead a binky. My mother was certain it was time for our daughter to get rid of this security item because it would ruin the teeth she was getting. Like Owen’s parents we tried the binky fairy and cutting it with no positive results. The only resolution we were able to come to was to remove it completely. After many tears and four sleepless nights the binky was no longer a necessary item at our house. It wasn’t easy and I am jealous that Owen’s mother was able to come up with such a lovely solution.

https://kevinhenkes.com/wp-content/uploads/Owen.jpg

Conclusion

This delightful story gives everyone what they want. The happy solution to the story makes us love Owen and the way his parents handled this real life situation. It is definitely a must read.

Citation

Henkes, K. (1993). Owen. New York: Greenwillow Books.