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Chrysanthemum: A First Day of School Book for Kids Paperback – Picture Book, May 12, 2020

by Kevin Henkes (Author, Illustrator)
4.9 out of 5 stars 2,752 ratings
Teachers' pick
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Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round. 

Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a don't-miss classic, especially for back to school.

Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?

This popular picture book has sold more than a million copies and was named a Notable Book for Children by the American Library Association. "Perfectly executed in words and illustration, Chrysanthemum exemplifies Henkes's talent for creating true picture stories for young audiences."—The Horn Book

This is an ideal break-the-ice book for the first week of school. It get children thinking about and bonding with their own names and the names of everyone else in the class, and it's the perfect vehicle for starting a discussion about treating classmates with tolerance, kindness, and compassion.

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  1. Reading age
    2 - 6 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    570L
  6. Dimensions
    9 x 0.12 x 11 inches
  7. Publisher
    Greenwillow Books
  8. Publication date
    May 12, 2020
  9. ISBN-10
    0062983377
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0062983374
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From the Publisher

Chrysanthemum Kevin Henkes Kirkus

Chrysanthemum Kevin Henkes Be Kind

Chrysanthemum Kevin Henkes Be Confident

Chrysanthemum Kevin Henkes Be Yourself

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Henkes’s language and humor are impeccably fresh, his cozy illustrations sensitive and funny, his little asides to adults an unobtrusive delight. . . . Another winner from this perceptive artist.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“This sensitive story will strike a chord with young children.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

“Perfectly executed in words and illustration, Chrysanthemum exemplifies Henkes’s talent for creating true picture stories for young audiences.” — The Horn Book (starred review)

“Nicely structured, wittily told, and universal in its appeal.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

About the Author

Kevin Henkes has been praised both as a writer and as an illustrator and is the recipient of the Children’s Literature Legacy Award for his lasting contribution to literature for children. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon; Caldecott Honors for Waiting and Owen; two Newbery Honors, one for Olive’s Ocean and one for The Year of Billy Miller;and Geisel Honors for Waiting and Penny and Her Marble. His other books include The World and Everything in It, A House, A Parade of Elephants, Chrysanthemum, and the beloved Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Greenwillow Books; Reissue edition (May 12, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062983377
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062983374
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 6 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 570L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 0.12 x 11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 2,752 ratings

About the author

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Kevin Henkes

Kevin Henkes

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Kevin Henkes is the author and illustrator of close to fifty critically acclaimed and award-winning picture books, beginning readers, and novels. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon in 2005. Kevin Henkes is also the creator of a number of picture books featuring his mouse characters, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Lilly’s Big Day and Wemberly Worried, the Caldecott Honor Book Owen, and the beloved Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. His most recent mouse character, Penny, was introduced in Penny and Her Song (2012); her story continued in Penny and Her Doll and Penny and Her Marble (a Geisel Honor Book). Bruce Handy, in a New York Times Book Review piece about A Good Day, wrote, “It should be said: Kevin Henkes is a genius.” Kevin Henkes received two Newbery Honors for novels—one for his newest novel for young readers, The Year of Billy Miller, and the other for Olive’s Ocean. Also among his fiction for older readers are the novels Junonia, Bird Lake Moon, The Birthday Room, and Sun & Spoon. He lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin. You can visit him online at www.kevinhenkes.com.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
2,752 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this children's book effective at teaching kindness and positive ways to deal with bullying. The story receives positive feedback for its heartwarming content, with one customer noting its fun surprise ending. Moreover, the illustrations are beautiful, and customers appreciate the book's language, with one mentioning how it introduces big words to children. Additionally, customers find the book funny and consider it a classic, with one review highlighting its value for children with non-traditional names.

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62 customers mention "Teaching ability"62 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's teaching ability, particularly its lessons on self-acceptance, kindness, and dealing with bullying, and note that children of all ages enjoy it.

"...The story is heartwarming and relatable, especially for young kids starting school...." Read more

"...It opens up a conversation about bullying and why some kids may bully - fear of the unknown or something that is unique or different...." Read more

"...A must read. Delightful and warm hearted." Read more

"...It teaches a kind lesson through a realistic situation...." Read more

53 customers mention "Story quality"53 positive0 negative

Customers love the story of Chrysanthemum, describing it as a heartfelt children's tale with a fun surprise ending.

"...I'm so glad I can pass down this classic and meaningful story—definitely a must-read for any little one!" Read more

"...for my 3 year old, she is advanced for her age and gets really engaged with the longer stories. This books keeps her attention span the entire time...." Read more

"I love the theme of this book! The illustrations are great, and the author's choice of words in the narrative keeps children's attention." Read more

"...We loved the story line. If you have a long first name, as most of our family members do, this story will enchant you...." Read more

20 customers mention "Illustrations"20 positive0 negative

Customers love the illustrations in this book, describing them as beautiful and cute, with one customer noting their lightness.

"...The illustrations are beautiful, and the message about embracing who you are is timeless...." Read more

"...This books keeps her attention span the entire time. I loved the illustrations as a child, and now so does my child...." Read more

"I love the theme of this book! The illustrations are great, and the author's choice of words in the narrative keeps children's attention." Read more

"This book is so beautiful. Beautifully written, beautifully illustrated a classic! Also it introduces “big words” to children in an effortless way." Read more

20 customers mention "Language"17 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's language, describing it as beautifully written and great for read-aloud sessions, with one customer noting how it introduces complex vocabulary to children.

"This book is beautifully written. You feel what Chrysanthemum is going through. Kevin Henkes is a fantastic author...." Read more

"...The illustrations are great, and the author's choice of words in the narrative keeps children's attention." Read more

"This book is so beautiful. Beautifully written, beautifully illustrated a classic! Also it introduces “big words” to children in an effortless way." Read more

"...Beautifully written and so fun to read aloud:)" Read more

10 customers mention "Humor"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book funny and never boring, with one mentioning it's fun to point out details.

"...Great lesson to encourage no teasing, but great pictures and fun, as well. Plus, I've always loved books with mice as characters." Read more

"...a big book it's great because everyone can see the story and fun to point out details. We love the story of Chrysanthemum...." Read more

"Good book is is fun and a good lesson for kids and a little bit funny to read. Recommend it" Read more

"...But I also really appreciate the clever humor hidden in plain sight for the adults. Good message too. Kids enjoy the tale...." Read more

4 customers mention "Flower variety"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the flower variety in the book, with one customer noting that chrysanthemums are their birth month flower, and another mentioning that children love the character Chrysanthemum.

"...was a surprise to find out after getting this that Chrysanthemums are her birth month flower!..." Read more

"Chrysanthemum is a classic. I've read this to each of my children as they were growing up and now my oldest is reading it to her new baby :)" Read more

"My children absolutely love Chrysanthemum. They were happy that she was able to overcome her challenges in the way that she did" Read more

"Chrysanthemum is amazing!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Name"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to names, with one mentioning it's great for girls with non-traditional names and another noting it's good for discussing differences in people's names.

"...shower, and it ended up being a perfect book as she chose a beautifully unique name for my niece!..." Read more

"Great story to teach kids each person is an individual and has a special name!" Read more

"...It's also great for discussing differences in people's names and how it's okay to have unusual names." Read more

"Great for girls with non-traditional names, if they're struggling or being teased at school because of their unique name." Read more

Childhood Memories
5 out of 5 stars
Childhood Memories
I remember reading this book in the school library over and over again when I was little, and I even did a school project on it! 'Chrysanthemum' is a lovely book with creative illustrations that I was able to relate to as a child. The main character, Chrysanthemum, goes to school for the first time and learns that her name is a lot different than the other kids, and she struggles with learning how to accept it until she meets someone with another unique name! This book is great at demonstrating that sometimes there are people around you that are much more similar to you than you realize, and accepting yourself is something that we all have to learn how to do. This is one of my favorite books and I was so happy to have found it again.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Leslie Cortazar
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Classic – Perfect for First Day of School Jitters!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    "Chrysanthemum" has always been one of my favorite childhood books, and now I'm so happy to be sharing it with my child! The story is heartwarming and relatable, especially for young kids starting school. The illustrations are beautiful, and the message about embracing who you are is timeless. My child absolutely loves it, and it's the perfect book to help ease any first-day-of-school jitters. I'm so glad I can pass down this classic and meaningful story—definitely a must-read for any little one!
    Helpful
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  • Mag
    5.0 out of 5 stars Passing this on to my little girl
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I *loved* this book as a little girl. How I wished my name was Chrysanthemum! I bought this for my 3 year old, she is advanced for her age and gets really engaged with the longer stories. This books keeps her attention span the entire time. I loved the illustrations as a child, and now so does my child. The only the I would say is that at 3 years old, she was a little afraid of the illustration where Chrysanthemum has a nightmare. But that has nothing to do with the story itself and everything to do with her age. I didn’t find the message of the story out of date 25 years later. It opens up a conversation about bullying and why some kids may bully - fear of the unknown or something that is unique or different. It also gave an example of how to ally for someone else who is being bullied (in this case the music teacher was an ally for Chrysanthemum and made her feel not alone). There are so many different aspects to bullying to be learned and I don’t know it’s reasonable for one storybook to cover them all.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • KDez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great subject! (Bullying)
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    When my Grandson received this book he was excited because his teacher was reading it to the class that week!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Susan
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of our top 10’s
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book is beautifully written. You feel what Chrysanthemum is going through. Kevin Henkes is a fantastic author. He has several that I love reading with my granddaughter. I said 5 for the age level. To be clear, I read to her and this is easy for her to follow. In fact, I bought it when she was 4 because we had checked it out at the library several times, per her request.
    Helpful
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  • Rebecca King
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love the theme of this book! The illustrations are great, and the author's choice of words in the narrative keeps children's attention.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • koreamuscle
    5.0 out of 5 stars For children with big names
    Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    We purchased this book for our daughter who has a long first name and so do I!! . We loved the story line. If you have a long first name, as most of our family members do, this story will enchant you. Chrysanthemum discovers she is alone in a classroom filled with other mice who all have short names. She is mistreated by other 'students for her name, then, the highlight of the book is revealed, which flips the story in Chrysanthemum's favor. A must read. Delightful and warm hearted.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Just being honest
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was my favorite book growing up. I bought it for my cousin’s baby shower, and it ended up being a perfect book as she chose a beautifully unique name for my niece! It teaches a kind lesson through a realistic situation. I would consider this more of a read aloud book versus a book to have your child practice reading for their development (until they reach the appropriate age which is probably first grade).
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Ajon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite author
    Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great book from a great author. One of my children’s all time favorites.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • KM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great little lessons, adorable illustrations
    Reviewed in Canada on March 23, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Kevin Henkes fan - Adorable books, story lessons, illustrations
    Report
  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars So lovely
    Reviewed in Germany on April 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Such a classic. A lovely well told story.
    Report
  • Shelley McDevitt
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book to help young children learn about different people ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    My daughter 5yo loves this book. great book to help young children learn about different people and attitudes.
    Report
  • MDelP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story with great message for kids
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Beautiful story with great message for kids
    Report
  • Diane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
    Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love this book, beautiful story with beautiful illustrations. Good for all ages but I bought it for my 17 year old because it was her favourite childhood story in school. She was delighted.
    Report