Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Have you ever been so excited for something and then when it actually happens, its so disappointing?
Poor Chrysanthemum is so excited for the first day of school. But, when she gets there she discovers – thanks to the other girls in the class – that her name is all wrong. “It’s so long,” said Jo. “It scarcely fits on your name tag,” said Rita, pointing. “I’m named after my grandmother, ” said Victoria. “You’re named after a flower!” What a way to be greeted on your first day of school. Her parents tell her how wonderful she is and how beautiful her name is – all the right things. But, as with life, we all know, you have to figure things out on your own. Chrysanthemum is a hero. Personally, I have a name that is always mispronounced and/or misspelled. It wasn’t until I was much older, that I decided not to be shy about it, and correct people – my thought was, “its MY name, they should be corrected!” My daughter has a long name, her brother has shortened it, but she prefers the long name at school, so Chrysanthemum is a perfect book for her.
Chrysanthemum is a delightful story, as are all Kevin Henkes books. His words are perfect – when Chrysanthemum is feeling sad, she “wilted”. His illustrations are delightful. This book is an excellent read aloud, and now my daughter loves reading it on her own. (http://www.kevinhenkes.com/)
