25 April 2009

Book of the Week: Chrysanthemum


Chrysanthemum tells the story of a little girl coming to terms with unusual, unusually long, and botanical name. Despite unkind classmates, Miss Twinkle teaches Chrsanthemum to appreciate her unique and perfect name. Along with being a great story, this book is a treasure trove of vocabulary (winsome, jaundiced, delphinium) and figurative language (Chrysanthemum wilted). The author Kevin Henkes is also the author of many other wonderful children's books including Owen (Caldecott Honor Book), Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, and Sheila Rae, the Brave.

This book holds a special place in my heart since I have a daughter with an unusual, unusually long, and botanical name. My daughter, Amaryllis, currently loves her name, but there may come a day when it may seem a bit out of sorts. And so I keep Chrysanthemum close by on the bookshelf so she may find a kindred spirit in her.

1 comment:

  1. i just saw this book in my friend's classroom but havent read it yet. sounds like a perfect book for 'ryllis! i'll check it out. kim

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