UW–Madison alumnus and award-winning children’s book author Kevin Henkes recently shared what makes a good children’s book on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life.”

Henkes, who earned a bachelor’s degree from the School of Education’s Art Department in 1983, has written and illustrated nearly 50 picture books and more than a dozen children’s novels.

In the interview, Henkes discusses how he uses rhythm, language, and everyday experiences to create books that become family favorites.

“Particularly with picture books … the goal is that they’re going to be read aloud again and again and again,” Henkes says. “So you want the words to be exactly right.”

That philosophy helped shape books such as “Kitten’s First Full Moon,” which won the 2005 Caldecott Medal, and titles including “Sun Flower Lion” and “A House,” which use a call-and-response cadence inviting children to participate.

Henkes also says he is drawn to “small domestic stories” rooted in familiar childhood experiences, from the first day of school and the challenges of fitting in. Those themes are especially evident in his acclaimed mouse stories, including “Chrysanthemum,” “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” and “Wemberly Worried.”

“I guess I kind of grew up in the school of ‘write what you know,’ and so I think my books reflect that,” he says. “But I think even if you take an ordinary character or what seems like an ordinary setting, if you really examine it with details that are telling you, you find out more about life.”

Henkes says he finds inspiration for his books everywhere.

“I think writers and artists are observers, so we’re always kind of watching,” he says. “I love being at an airport and watching people. I love just being in the grocery store overhearing bits of dialogue.”

Ultimately, Henkes says he hopes readers find joy in his work.

“More than anything, I hope that they have a good time. I hope that they enjoy the story. I mean, that’s most important,” he says. “I love it when books become part of a family’s collective life.”

Read the full “Wisconsin Life” feature to learn more about Henkes’ life, creative process, and the inspiration behind his beloved books.