Little Houses

AUTHOR: Kevin Henkes
ILLUSTRATOR: Laura Dronzek

From the Publisher:

From award-winning and bestselling author Kevin Henkes and the acclaimed painter Laura Dronzek, Little Houses is an unforgettable masterpiece about nature, family, wonder, and the ocean. The lyrical writing and stunning paintings make this a great choice for family sharing and for story times all year round.

When a young girl visits her grandparents at the beach, she stays in a little house and walks along the shore gathering seashells—which were once little houses of their own. As she wanders the beach, she wonders about the creatures who used to live in each shell, about the hidden treasures of the sea, and about the mysteries of the world.

Kevin Henkes’s text features striking imagery, depth of emotion, and a lovely multigenerational relationship. He deftly captures the feeling of wonder and imagination that is fostered by a trip to the shore. Laura Dronzek’s lush, saturated paintings make this book a true treasure for parents and children, and a must-have for the classroom. 

Leah’s Thoughts:

This one surprised me with its thoughtfulness. The text feels reflective without being over the heads of younger kids, and the connection between seashells and houses sparked some sweet conversation. It’s a great pick for beach season, especially if your kids like to collect treasures along the shore.