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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
I was introduced to this author/illustrator through doing the Author Studies program at my son's school. I've read a few of his books before but never realized the same author was responsible for all of them. He is a superb children's author. Some of his books follow the same pattern (strong-willed character, use of repetition of a key phrase, turn around at the end), but Henkes really understands the mind of a child and his books are all a delight. This one, about a girl with an unusual name, teaches a great lesson.
I'm not in the habit of rating the dozens and dozens of children's books I read to my kids, but I had to review this one. This is a terrible book and I can't figure out why the heck everyone thinks it's so wonderful! Basically, it's about a girl named Chrysanthemum who doesn't like her name, because she gets teased and bullied for it (her friends have 'normal' names). Then, one of her teachers tells Chrysanthemum how much she loves her name and that she wants to name her baby (the teacher is pregnant) Chrysanthemum. Suddenly, Chrysanthemum loves her name because her teacher says it's an awesome name. What kind of message is that?! Yeah, let's teach little girls to evaluate themselves and their feelings of self-worth based on other people! This book doesn't even deserve 1 star. I hope parents look beyond the books popularity and critically think about what it's message is to young kids. It's completely beyond me why this book is on must-read lists for young children.
Such an adorable and charming book! I love how Henkes celebrates the joy of having an unusual name. I greatly sympathize with Chrysanthemum since I also have a unique name that I loved as a young child but disliked upon starting school when teasing, misspellings and mispronunciation all became commonplace; as an adult, I have come to enjoy and appreciate my name once more.
Read to third graders during reader's workshop. Used to build text-to-self connections, text-to-text connections, and writing skills.
This story can show children how important it is to be kind to everyone, and not make fun of them. Especially over things they can not control. My students picked up very easily all the mean things that were said in this story, and what the main character could have done.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not my cup of tea yet, but my 5yo loves it. Very well written, the right amount of repetition, good, respectful vocabulary. Chrysanthemum is teased for her name until the cool substitute teacher has a similar name, and says she'd consider naming her new baby Chrysanthemum. Then the teasers all want to go by flower names too, and Chrysanthemum feels good about her perfect name again.
I do love the whimsical pregnant teacher!
I do love the whimsical pregnant teacher!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Bullying
Chrysanthemum has a nightmare; sensitive kids might find the picture scary.
Parents have been supportive, positive, and encouraging when Chrysanthemum comes home from school crying. Her favorite foods, along with hugs and Parchisi, make her feel better.
Both Chrysanthemum and her name are called "perfect".
Parents have been supportive, positive, and encouraging when Chrysanthemum comes home from school crying. Her favorite foods, along with hugs and Parchisi, make her feel better.
Both Chrysanthemum and her name are called "perfect".
Chrysanthemum is a wonderful book about learning to find happiness within one's unique identity. Filled with colorful illustrations, this book is a delightful tale about a young girl who loves her unusual name until her peers at school begin to make fun of her. Throughout the story, Chrysanthemum's parents encourage her to embrace her identity and be happy with herself, but Chrysanthemum is miserable until a teacher gives her the highest compliment. Not only does she like Chrysanthemum's name, but she intends give the name to her baby girl. Finally, the other children look at Chrysanthemum with jealousy, and she realizes that her name is unique and beautiful. This is a wonderful story to share with students, young and old, who are trying to find their own unique identity.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced