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 less than 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 has great compassion for the victims of childhood teasing and cruelties--using 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-humor jokes for anxious mommies 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 utterly comforting. ALA Notable Book, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Horn Book Fanfare Honor List. (Ages 4 to 8) --Gail Hudson
--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
Kevin Henkes is an award-winning author and illustrator of many books for children of all ages. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon; Caldecott Honors for Waiting and Owen; two Newbery Honors—one for Olive’s Ocean and one for The Year of Billy Miller—and Geisel Honors for Waiting and Penny and Her Marble. His other books include Egg, Old Bear, A Good Day, Chrysanthemum, and the beloved Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin. www.kevinhenkes.com
Kevin Henkes is an award-winning author and illustrator of many books for children of all ages. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon; Caldecott Honors for Waiting and Owen; two Newbery Honors—one for Olive’s Ocean and one for The Year of Billy Miller—and Geisel Honors for Waiting and Penny and Her Marble. His other books include Egg, Old Bear, A Good Day, Chrysanthemum, and the beloved Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin. www.kevinhenkes.com
--This text refers to an alternate
kindle_edition edition.
From the Back Cover
She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum.
Chrysanthemum loved her name—until she started school.
A terrific read-aloud for the classroom and libraries!
--This text refers to an alternate
kindle_edition edition.
With talented readers, original musical and realistic sound effects, Weston Woods Studios elevates the read-along to a new height. This studio production of a celebrated and award-winning children's favorite, packaged with a hardcover book, will enchant listeners and create new audiences. An ALA Notable Book and SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Book of the Year, CHRYSANTHEMUM is the tale of a mouse child who feels perfect in every way until she faces kindergarten ridicule for her unusual name. Meryl Streep's reading animates a story already brimming with the high emotions of childhood. A gruff-voiced father, the singing Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle, and the exasperating nasal teasing of classmates combine with Streep's perfect pacing and the lively orchestral music to create an enchanting experience in which the underling triumphs--every child's dream. T.B. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to an alternate
kindle_edition edition.
From the Inside Flap
She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. 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....--Horn Book (starred review)
--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
Review
"Henkes's language and humor are impeccably fresh, his cozy illustrations sensitive and funny, his little asides to adults an unobtrusive delight." -- Kirkus Reviews (pointered review)"Chrysanthemum exemplifies Henkes's talent for creating true picture stories for young audiences.""-- The Horn Book "(starred review)
--This text refers to an alternate
kindle_edition edition.
![Chrysanthemum by [Kevin Henkes]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Ah2lbLh5L._SX260_.jpg)
