Chrysanthemum

Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum is about a mouse who is given a name that at first, she loves. Once she starts school, she is mocked for her name because it is difficult to spell and pronounce. After a hard day at school, she returns home, hating her name. Her parents are confused because she was given a beautiful name and they explain to her why her name is so special. She tries again the next day, going to school loving her name, only to be mocked again and return back home hating her name. This is a cycle that continues for a few days until her teacher, Ms. Delphinium Twinkle, explains to the class that her name is also long. Of course, the students love their teacher and start to appreciate long names. Chrysanthemum feels welcome by the end of the book. 

Chrysanthemum has won no awards but I believe it is fully deserving of one because of the beautiful message that it sends.  This book is appropriate for Kindergarteners and first graders. 

I would use this in my classroom during the first month of school to introduce the concept of being kind to one another. I would also use this book if I noticed any bullying or unkindness in my classroom.