Colorful sequined flowers that spin, stuffed chocolate bunnies hidden in patches of lettuce, and a basket full of kid-sized garden gloves and play scarves lined the stone-painted path as my daughters explored the new Kevin Henkes exhibit at the Rabbit hOle on Thursday, June 12.
As we rounded a corner of the garden path, we stepped into a cozy hidey-hole illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. There, perched in a three-dimensional tree, sat a frightened little kitten. The moon’s reflection shimmered on the floor inside the dimly lit room, and my daughters eagerly stepped into the light, fully immersed in the storybook scene.
This latest exhibit brings to life two beloved books by award-winning author Kevin Henkes: Kitten’s First Full Moon and My Garden. The immersive garden scene from My Garden invites guests to imagine the whimsical world the little girl envisions—a place where flowers sparkle, seashells grow, and cotton candy vines hang from trees. Visitors follow a winding stone path under archways of painted rain and flower trellises adorned with cheerful birds. Children can play beneath a giant tree, explore oversized tomatoes, and spin whimsical wheels among the blossoms.
The path eventually leads into the moonlit world of Kitten’s First Full Moon, where children can experience the moment the curious kitten mistakes the moon’s reflection in a pond for a bowl of milk and dives right in. Thoughtfully placed perches throughout the exhibit offer perfect spots for reading the two featured books aloud.
Located on the second floor of the museum, this exhibit is included with regular admission. While the Rabbit hOle features children's books for all ages, this particular installation is designed especially for children ages 2–6. Though it opened in May, the exhibit is intended to be a permanent addition, offering an imaginative haven for the museum’s youngest visitors.
We wrapped up our visit inside the Lucky Rabbit Bookstore, where I was delighted to see a table showcasing a wide range of Henkes’ work. Seeing so many of my childhood favorites—Chrysanthemum, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Waiting—felt like a full-circle moment. It’s only fitting that such a prolific and beloved author of our generation be honored with his own exhibit at the first museum of its kind in the United States.