Chrysanthemum Big Book: A First Day of School Book for Kids - Softcover

Henkes, Kevin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061119741 ISBN 13: 9780061119743

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, 2007

Synopsis

Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round. This big book edition is perfect for sharing at the library or in a classroom.

Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect--until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?

This popular picture book has sold more than a million copies and was named a Notable Book for Children by the American Library Association. "Perfectly executed in words and illustration, Chrysanthemum exemplifies Henkes's talent for creating true picture stories for young audiences."--The Horn Book

About this title

Product Description:

Paperback. Pub Date: 2007 Pages: 32 Publisher: Harper Festival SHE WAS a perfect baby. The and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum When she was old enough to appreciate IT Chrysanthemum loved her name the And. Then she started school . I'm named after my grandmother. said Victoria. You're named after a flower. Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn't improve. In fact. it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher. Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly. Chrysanthemum blossomed ....

Review:

Until Chrysanthemum started kindergarten, she believed her parents when they said her name was perfect. But on the first day of school, Chrysanthemum begins to suspect that her name is far from perfect, especially when her class dissolves into giggles upon hearing her name read aloud. That evening, Chrysanthemum's parents try to piece her self-esteem back together again with comfort food and a night filled "with hugs, kisses, and Parcheesi". But the next day Victoria, a particularly observant and mean-spirited classmate, announces that Chrysanthemum's name takes up 13 letters. "That's half the letters in the alphabet!" she adds. Chrysanthemum wilts. Pretty soon the girls are making playground threats to "pluck" Chrysanthemum and "smell her".

Kevin Henkes displays great compassion for the victims of childhood teasing and cruelties, skilfully employing fresh language, endearing pen-and-ink mouse characters and realistic dialogue to portray real-life vulnerability. He also has great compassion for parents, offering several adult-humour jokes for anxious mummies and daddies. On the surface, the finale is overly tidy and the coincidences unbelievable. But in the end, what sustains Chrysanthemum, as well as this story, is the steadfast love and support of her family. And because of this, the closure is, ultimately, convincing and comforting. ALA Notable Book, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Horn Book Fanfare Honor List. (Ages 4 to 8) --Gail Hudson

About this edition

• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0061119741
• ISBN 13: 9780061119743
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Henkes Kevin