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.
Kevin Henkes' Chrysanthemum is a story filled with a lot of love. The story follows a little mouse girl named Chrysanthemum to her first day of school where everyone makes fun of her name. The book contains beautiful illustrations that are made from watercolor paints outlined in black pen, and they capture the sweetness of the story.
The story stresses a message about being yourself and not worrying about what others think or say about you. Your child will certainly relate to these issues as they begin to interact with their peers. They will be calmed by the story's happy ending and will also recognize the importance of celebrating each person's uniqueness. As you read the story together, your child will find the repetition of "I love you" very soothing.
I have read this story several times with my niece Emily and she thinks that Chrysanthemum is the cutest mouse in the world. When Chrysanthemum feels sad in the story, Emily feels bad for her and says "Aww" over and over again. The story evokes a lot of empathy for the main character, and your child will be excited when Chrysanthemum's story comes to a happy ending.
--Eve
Both of my kids first heard this book read to them by their Kindergarten teacher on their first day of school. When they opened the package from Little One Books, they both yelled out how they knew the book and really enjoyed it. I have to agree with them - I adore this book. It is the sweetest story about a little mouse named Chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemum loves her name and feels so special because of it. However, the other little mice at school don't agree - they tease her relentlessly. So she go homes every day, feeling defeated and hating her name. That is until she meets Mrs. Twinkle. If I tell you anymore, I will ruin it for you, so I won't. I will say that I love everything about this book - it's sweet, the illustrations are perfect and it has a lovely message.
-- Maria Stanley, Bored Mommy