Chrysanthemum

Title: Chrysanthemum

Author: Kevin Henkes

Unnumbered Pages

Picture Book

Lexile Level: AD540L

Chrysanthemum loved her name.  She loved how it sounded! Her Mommy and Daddy thought she was the best little mouse who needed the best name! Chrysanthemum thought her name was absolutely perfect! That is until she started school.

Now, her name was too long to fit on a name tag.  All her classmates were named after their grandmas.  Or someone cool. Chrysanthemum was just named after a tiny flower. Her classmates started making fun of Chrysanthemum’s name.  Chrysanthemum didn't like her name anymore or school! One day, a very special person came into their classroom.  She was the music teacher. She sang like a dream. She was very stylish. All the students loved her! Can she help Chrysanthemum love her name and school again?

I’ve always enjoyed reading this book. I haven’t met a child who doesn’t like Chrysanthemum.  Kevin Henkes does a great job of writing about problems that resonate with kids.  He offers unique solutions to their problems and walks them through actually solving the problem.  I like this book because it only took one teacher to turn Chrysanthemum’s problem into something positive.  It’s a challenge to me to be that teacher for my kids.