Wednesday, April 23, 2008


Chrysanthemum is a happy little girl who loves her name. She likes to say it over and over again “Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum.” Kevin Henkes’ use of repetition and imagery is amazing and fits perfectly into this delightful book! When She goes to school, everyone makes fun on Chrysanthemum’s name and she decides she no longer loves her name. Some of the children threaten to “pluck her” or “smell her” and the narrator tells us that poor Chrysanthemum, “wilted”. When she discovers that the beloved teacher, Mrs. Twinkle’s name is Delphinium, she blossoms! And all the other children love her name too. This story is fun and great for younger kids. The repetition and flowery imagery make it a joy for anyone to read.

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