"Chrysanthemum"

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Book Title:

Chrysanthemum

Author/Illustrator:

Kevin Henkes

Type of Book:

Picture Book

Age Level:

4-8

My Star Rating:

****

Summary

• Chrysanthemum grew up with the notion that she was absolutely perfect, until she entered school that is. At school the kids picked on her and poked fun of her name, a name that she once loved and adored, had become the target of her pain.

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My Thoughts

• When I first heard this book, it was being read aloud to me in my 5^th semester of college. I know it sounds funny to have someone read aloud to you at the age of 20, but I am so glad it happened. I had never heard of this book before, but I instantly fell in love with it. I love the great message that trickles through the story, the message of loving who you are, regardless of what others think about you. I think this is such an important message to start introducing to children at a young age. School can be hard, and peers can be ruthless, so I think introducing this book and message at an early age is vitally important.

• I also love the use of watercolor paints and black pen, as they are used for full-color art. Henkes does a great job with the changing layouts of each page, I think the book is so inviting and visually fun to look at. Not to mention, how incredible the text is, he perfects the way of making a children’s book into a great learning tool, with large vocabulary words, and great themes of acceptance. I LOVE this book.

How to Use in the Classroom

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• “Chrysanthemum” is a great book to use when teaching new vocabulary; in fact, I think this book could provide a hefty list of vocabulary terms just by itself. With words such as, Chrysanthemum, scarcely, wilted, dreadful, fascinating, winsome, Parcheesi, envious, begrudging, discontented, jaundiced, scrawny, humorous, Delphinium, beamed, Marigold, Carnation and Lily of the Valley, this book offers a lot of possibilities. For one thing, a spelling list could be developed from this book, while also cross-curricularly; this book could be helpful in science, and the planting of flowers.  Again, this book could be used in teaching the message of loving yourself for who you are, and not for what others think about you, and it could also be a useful tool to bring out when you feel like your class is having trouble respecting their peers. This book has many possibilities, and that is why I love it so much! 

More Resources  

• For more information about Kevin Henkes, click here.
• For more information about how to use Chrysanthemum in the classroom, click here.