INBLOOM - Shop now
Buy used:
$5.53
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery March 15 - 18 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Saturday, March 15
Used: Good | Details
Sold by Jenson Books Inc
Fulfilled by Amazon
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: This item shows wear including some highlighting or writing.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Kevin Henkes
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Chrysanthemum Paperback – December 30, 2008

by Kevin Henkes (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,107 ratings
See all formats and editions

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 funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.

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

Supports the Common Core State Standards

Previous slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    3 - 6 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    570L
  6. Dimensions
    7.5 x 0.1 x 9.6 inches
  7. Publisher
    Mulberry Books
  8. Publication date
    December 30, 2008
  9. ISBN-10
    0688147321
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0688147327
  11. See all details
Next slide of product details

There is a newer edition of this item:

Chrysanthemum: A First Day of School Book for Kids
Chrysanthemum: A First Day of School Book for Kids
$7.99
(2,735)
In Stock
Discover teachers' picks. Discover%20teachers%27%20picks.

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." -- Kirkus Reviews (pointered review)"Chrysanthemum exemplifies Henkes's talent for creating true picture stories for young audiences.""-- The Horn Book "(starred review)

From the Back Cover

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. "I'm named after my grandmother," said Victoria. "You're named after a flower." Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn't improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed....

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mulberry Books (December 30, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0688147321
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0688147327
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 6 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 570L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.21 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 0.1 x 9.6 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,107 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Kevin Henkes

Kevin Henkes

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

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

4.8 out of 5 stars
1,107 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book provides a positive message and teaches children to appreciate their uniqueness. They enjoy the cute illustrations and find it clear that the book teaches acceptance. Customers also mention that it's an adorable classic book about being kind to others and loving yourself for who you are. Overall, customers consider it a great book at a good price.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

MessageIllustrationsTeaches acceptanceValue for money
66 customers mention "Message"66 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's message positive. It teaches children to appreciate their uniqueness and be kind. They say it's a great way to start discussions about bullying and having pride. The book also helps kids understand that they don't need to feel sad about their names.

"...story about mouse with, according to her parents, an absolutely perfect name. When she starts school however, she is teased about her long name...." Read more

"...It's heart warming, sweet and wonderfully illustrated with a strong message...." Read more

"...She grows to appreciate her uniqueness. I grew up reading it to my baby sister, then bought it for my niece who has an unusual name...." Read more

"...It teaches kids about bullying, and the importance of staying true to yourself. Great storyline, adorable illustrations, and a wonderful read!..." Read more

22 customers mention "Illustrations"22 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the illustrations in this book. They find it cute and well-written, highlighting the power of our words.

"...It's heart warming, sweet and wonderfully illustrated with a strong message...." Read more

"...Great storyline, adorable illustrations, and a wonderful read! So original and unique! Highly recommend!!!..." Read more

"This is an adorable & classic book about being accepting & kind to others, despite being different...." Read more

"...Such a cute message with darling pictures!" Read more

7 customers mention "Teaches acceptance"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's message about acceptance. They find it a classic that helps teach acceptance and kindness to others. The story also encourages self-acceptance and love.

"This is an adorable & classic book about being accepting & kind to others, despite being different...." Read more

"...But it also teaches kindness, and teaches us to accept others as they are. It also shows us how important a teacher is I our lives." Read more

"...It helps to teach acceptance, to an otherwise rather judgmental crowd. Strongly recommend." Read more

"Book teaches kids regarding accepting and celebrating differences and diversity .. starting with their very own name" Read more

6 customers mention "Value for money"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They say it's a great book at a good price.

"...Great price and great quality. All the Kevin Henkes books are great." Read more

"A classic!!! Great price" Read more

"...love the message about strong female characters - plus it was the right price!" Read more

"Great price" Read more

Must Have!
4 out of 5 stars
Must Have!
I love this book, I remember having it read to me as a child. My daughter has a unique name and is starting school in the fall. I was looking for something that she could relate to. This is a fantastic book but definitely way too long for my four year old to keep interest. I am going to save this book for next year when shes a little older. The recommended age shows 4-8 years however I think this book is a little too long to keep a 4 year Olds short attention span.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Janelle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story which encourages children to be kind.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Don’t settle for the paperback! The hardback copy is much nicer!
    (But ok to read to kids—Same story, of course!)
    Helpful
     Report
  • Alyssa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Chrysanthemum...Chrysanthemum...Chrysanthemum
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Chrysanthemum is a sweet and unforgettable story about mouse with, according to her parents, an absolutely perfect name. When she starts school however, she is teased about her long name. This story is a great read aloud for teachers to read when building a classroom community. This book teaches kids about kindness and embracing everyone’s unique differences. A classic and a must read!
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • David Mortaz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story with a strong message about a girl with an unusual name
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Another wonderful story from Kevin Henkes about a little girl with an unusual name and her experience when she goes to school for the 1st time and faces difficult time about her name. It's heart warming, sweet and wonderfully illustrated with a strong message. Loved reading it when our baby was small and now I purchase it as gift for anyone who has a new baby.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • MM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of my favorite books! It is about a little girl who is self-conscience about her unusual name. She grows to appreciate her uniqueness. I grew up reading it to my baby sister, then bought it for my niece who has an unusual name. If you like this book, you should also check out "Wemberly Worried" by the same author.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Elena
    5.0 out of 5 stars Original, cute, teaches a lesson. Loved it!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely adore this book. It teaches kids about bullying, and the importance of staying true to yourself. Great storyline, adorable illustrations, and a wonderful read! So original and unique! Highly recommend!!! We also read another book by this author, which is also great - Wemberly Worried.
    Helpful
     Report
  • C Davis
    5.0 out of 5 stars An adorable book with an important message!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is an adorable & classic book about being accepting & kind to others, despite being different. This is a great book for young children to read &/or have read to them!
    Helpful
     Report
  • hiding.in.the.pages
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorites
    Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of my favorite children's books. All of us get stuck with the names our parents choose and sometimes we wish for a different name--I remember wishing I had something different. Chrysanthemum has such a long name and gets teased about it, but when the music teacher tells her that she has a long name too and is also named after a flower, all the other girls are suddenly jealous. Such a cute message with darling pictures!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Tatiana
    4.0 out of 5 stars Must Have!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book, I remember having it read to me as a child. My daughter has a unique name and is starting school in the fall. I was looking for something that she could relate to. This is a fantastic book but definitely way too long for my four year old to keep interest. I am going to save this book for next year when shes a little older. The recommended age shows 4-8 years however I think this book is a little too long to keep a 4 year Olds short attention span.
    Customer image
    Tatiana
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Must Have!

    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2019
    I love this book, I remember having it read to me as a child. My daughter has a unique name and is starting school in the fall. I was looking for something that she could relate to. This is a fantastic book but definitely way too long for my four year old to keep interest. I am going to save this book for next year when shes a little older. The recommended age shows 4-8 years however I think this book is a little too long to keep a 4 year Olds short attention span.
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
    13 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Xiaoqi Zhao
    5.0 out of 5 stars very interesting book
    Reviewed in Canada on August 9, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is for grade 2 students, very fast delivery and good quality
    Report
  • Margarita Rojas Nandayapa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Libro extraordinario y por fin lo encontré
    Reviewed in Mexico on March 11, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Compré este libro a mi hija hace muchos años. Era de pasta dura y primera edición. Fue el favorito y luego desapareció. Decidí buscarlo desde hace tres años y finalmente lo encontré de nuevo. Es un libro ideal para ser atesorado. Las ilustraciones son muy bellas. Estoy feliz de tenerlo nuevamente. Llegó a tiempo y perfectamente embalado.
    Report
  • Ana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Libro con mensaje
    Reviewed in Spain on November 21, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Un libro con un mensaje muy profundo adaptado a niños pequeños. Muestra lo importante de la empatía y el respeto a los demás y a la diversidad. Lo recomiendo.
    Report
  • Azalai
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un succès
    Reviewed in France on June 2, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Ma fille de 5 ans et demi veut que je lui lise cette histoire tous les soirs. C'est vrai qu'elle est adorable et aide les enfants à prendre confiance dans leurs différences.
    Report
  • Hita
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in India on July 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Recommend reading at my kids school so bought it. Children seem to relate to itz story. Interesting read.
    Report