A review by taliaissmart
Egg by Kevin Henkes
4.0
Kevin Henkes' 50th published book uses simple language and vibrant illustrations to capture the story of an unlikely friendship. Three differently colored eggs hatch, revealing three baby birds. One egg does not hatch. The juxtaposition of the baby birds' growth compared to the final, green egg creates humor--three panels of excited hatching and the word "Surprise!" come up against the same, unmoving "egg."
I don't think I completely understood the ending, which shows the sun turning into an egg that may hatch. What is this supposed to mean? I was lost.
With Egg, Henkes has created yet another emotionally impactful story, which also happens to be incredibly simple and accessible to a very young audience.
Spoiler
When the last egg finally does hatch, the baby birds are shocked to see a baby crocodile emerge. They scatter, afraid of being eaten. This abandonment prompts the crocodile to feel "sad" and "lonely." These words are simple, but they work. Along with the trademark expressive facial features that readers have come to expect from Henkes' picture books, these words convey the crocodile's unhappiness and melted my heart. The baby birds' return is all the more fulfilling as a result.I don't think I completely understood the ending, which shows the sun turning into an egg that may hatch. What is this supposed to mean? I was lost.
With Egg, Henkes has created yet another emotionally impactful story, which also happens to be incredibly simple and accessible to a very young audience.