Chrysanthemum (book)

Chrysanthemum is a 1991 children's picture book by American writer and illustrator Kevin Henkes.^[1]

Chrysanthemum

Paperback cover
Author	Kevin Henkes
Illustrator	Henkes
Cover artist	Henkes
Language	English
Series	Mouse Books
Genre	Picture book
Publisher	Greenwillow Books
Publication date	September 16, 1991
Publication place	United States
ISBN	0-688-09699-9
Preceded by	Julius, the Baby of the World
Followed by	Owen

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The book was chosen as an ALA Notable Book and the School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, and it is on the Horn Book Fanfare Honor List.^[2] Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association listed the book as one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children."^[3] It was one of the "Top 100 Picture Books" of all time in a 2012 poll by School Library Journal.^[4]

Summary

Chrysanthemum is a young mouse who loves her unique name, until she is teased about it by her classmates. Her main tormentors are three mice named Jo, Rita and Victoria, who ridicule her for being named after a flower and point out that her name is so long it barely fits on a name tag. Chrysanthemum expresses her sadness to her parents, who comfort her with her favorite meals and a game of Parcheesi while her father secretly reads books on child psychology.

One day, her class meets their pregnant music teacher, named Mrs. Twinkle, who helps them with an upcoming musical. Chrysanthemum is assigned to be a daisy, which makes Jo, Rita and Victoria tease her once again. However, Mrs. Twinkle confronts them, and reveals that her first name, Delphinium, is also long and inspired by a flower. The three then apologize, and Chrysanthemum’s confidence in her name is restored. Later, Mrs. Twinkle gives birth to a daughter, whom she also names Chrysanthemum.

Critical reception

Kirkus Reviews said Chrysanthemum is "another winner from this perceptive artist," saying "Henkes's language and humor are impeccably fresh, his cozy illustrations sensitive and funny, his little asides to adults an unobtrusive delight."^[5]

Awards and honors

The Horn Book Magazine named Chrysanthemum one of the best books of 1991.^[6]

In 1991, the book won the Council of Wisconsin Writers Children’s Book Award.^[7]

Adaptions

In 1998, Weston Woods developed an animated story based on the book's illustrations, which was narrated by Meryl Streep. The film was included on the ALA Notable Children's Videos list in 1999.^[8]

In popular culture

• The book was featured in an episode of Kino's Storytime and was read by Paula Poundstone.