Kevin Henkes Quotes

Powerful Kevin Henkes for Daily Growth

About Kevin Henkes

Kevin Henkes is an acclaimed American author and illustrator of children's literature, renowned for his touching narratives, captivating illustrations, and insightful portrayal of childhood experiences. Born on December 5, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Henkes grew up in a nurturing environment that fostered his love for reading and storytelling. His mother, an elementary school teacher, played a significant role in instilling this passion in him. Henkes attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied art. However, it was during a children's literature course that he discovered his true calling. After graduation, he worked as a teacher, which provided him with valuable insights into the world of childhood and served as a foundation for his future works. Henkes made his debut in 1986 with the publication of "Walter the Baker," the first book featuring the character Lilly, who would become one of Henkes' most beloved creations. Over the years, he has penned numerous award-winning books, including "Owen" (1990), "Sheila Rae, the Brave" (1987), and the popular series "Lily" (1986-1994) and "Chrysanthemum" (1993). In 1998, Henkes' book "Oliver Button Is a Sissy" received the prestigious Caldecott Medal for its outstanding illustrations. His other notable works include "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree" (2006), which won the Caldecott Medal for illustration, and "Julie" (1991), which earned him a Newbery Honor. Today, Kevin Henkes continues to write and illustrate, creating timeless stories that resonate with children and adults alike. His work is characterized by its gentle humor, compassionate characters, and keen observation of the complexities of childhood.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The things that we lose have a way of coming back to us in dreams."

This quote suggests that although we may lose tangible items or experiences, they can still hold significant influence over our subconscious minds. In dreams, these lost aspects can reappear, allowing us to revisit, reflect upon, and perhaps gain new insights from those past moments. This idea underscores the idea that memories and emotions connected to lost things remain with us, shaping our thoughts even after they are no longer physically present in our lives.


"Being afraid is just another way of showing love."

This quote by Kevin Henkes suggests that fear, in certain contexts, can be an expression of deep care or affection. It implies that loving someone can make us vulnerable to the possibility of harm or loss, which may cause us to feel fear. In other words, being afraid might indicate that we are deeply invested in or attached to someone or something. This perspective encourages empathy and understanding towards people who exhibit fear, acknowledging it as a natural response that stems from love.


"Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. It's about who walked into your life, said 'I am here for you,' and proved it day after day."

This quote by Kevin Henkes emphasizes that genuine friendship is not merely a matter of longevity or familiarity, but rather a bond built on trust, understanding, and consistent support. It underscores the importance of companionship that goes beyond shared history; it's about individuals who actively demonstrate their presence and commitment to each other, day after day, proving that they are there for one another through thick and thin.


"The more you practice a skill, the better you become. Practice kindness every day."

This quote by Kevin Henkes emphasizes the importance of continuous practice in improving a skill, specifically the skill of practicing kindness. The first part suggests that consistent effort leads to mastery, a common principle that applies to various aspects of life. The second part, "Practice kindness every day," underscores the idea that expressing kindness daily can help cultivate it as a habit and improve one's ability to show empathy and care towards others. This quote encourages individuals to invest time in practicing acts of kindness daily, much like they would in honing other skills, for personal growth and the betterment of society.


"Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world."

The quote by Kevin Henkes suggests that every individual possesses an inherent potential to make a profound impact on the world. It's a reminder that even the smallest actions can have significant ripple effects, and encourages us all to tap into our inner power and use it to create positive change in our environment, whether it be in our immediate surroundings or globally.


When I was young, I assumed that authors must have traveled the world or done exotic things in order to tell great stories.

- Kevin Henkes

Tell, Stories, Great Stories, Traveled

I usually know where I want to end up when I begin, but I have no idea how I'm going to get there... I don't write with an outline, and surprises happen on the way, and sometimes it changes.

- Kevin Henkes

Happen, Idea, Going, Surprises

I think writers are observers and watchers. We always have our ears open and eyes open, so I might see something in everyday life that inspires me. And I think that's probably more than anything else. Everyday life is where I get my inspiration.

- Kevin Henkes

Inspiration, I Think, Our, Everyday

When I was a boy, one of my uncles had a cabin on a lake in Wisconsin. My family went there for parts of three summers, and I loved it!

- Kevin Henkes

Wisconsin, Cabin, Summers, Lake

When I'm drawing, I only do that at home, really, at my drawing table. But writing I could do in other places. So I've written in airports, in hotels, different places.

- Kevin Henkes

Other, Different Places, Hotels

When I'm writing the text for a book like 'Little White Rabbit,' I read it aloud, alone, in my studio, again and again and again - because the rhythm has to be exactly right. After I get my manuscript to the point where I think it is perfect, I begin to think about what I want the art to look like.

- Kevin Henkes

Perfect, I Think, Studio, Aloud

I like examining the ordinary, and by doing so, one hopefully reveals the extraordinary nature within.

- Kevin Henkes

Doing, Extraordinary, Like, Hopefully

I usually do my writing in a very nice room, my studio, which is in the attic of our house in Wisconsin. But the nice thing about writing is that I can do it in many places. So sometimes I'll write in coffee shops.

- Kevin Henkes

Sometimes, Studio, Very, Nice Thing

Whenever I'm writing a book, small details from my life always creep in.

- Kevin Henkes

My Life, Small, Always, Details

I always craft my words to the point where I think and hope they're perfect before I ever begin sketching.

- Kevin Henkes

Think, Always, I Think, Begin

You don't need to have kids to write a good book for kids. I don't want my kids to see themselves in my books. Their lives should be their lives.

- Kevin Henkes

Book, Need, Lives, Good Book

When I'm writing, I'm creating the story and its character with words. I'm thinking about what the pictures will be like, but I never begin to sketch. The pictures are all in my head.

- Kevin Henkes

Words, Will, Like, Sketch

When I work on a novel, I usually have one character and a setting in mind.

- Kevin Henkes

Work, Character, Mind, Setting

I like small, domestic stories.

- Kevin Henkes

Small, Like, Stories, Domestic

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