Chrysanthemum

** Summary/Review: **
Until Chrysanthemum started kindergarten, she believed her parents when they said her name was perfect. But on the first day of school, Chrysanthemum begins to suspect that her name is far less than perfect, especially when her class laughs when hearing her name read aloud. That evening, Chrysanthemum's parents try to piece her self-esteem back together again with comfort food and a night filledwith hugs, kisses, and Parcheesi." But the next day Victoria, a particularly mean-spirited classmate, announces that Chrysanthemum's name takes up 13 letters. "That's half the letters in the alphabet!" she adds. Chrysanthemum wilts. Pretty soon the girls are making playground threats to "pluck" Chrysanthemum and "smell her."

Kevin Henkes has great compassion for the victims of childhood teasing and cruelties. He does an excellent job of portraying real-life vulnerability. He also has great compassion for parents, offering several adult-humor jokes for anxious adults. In the end, what sustains, as well as this story, is the steadfast love and support of her family. Because of this, the closure is ultimately convincing and utterly comforting.



** Author Biography: **
Kevin Henkes was born on November 27, 1960, in Racine, Wisconsin. He decided at an early age that he wanted t be an artist, and often visited the nearest art museum. It was a high school teacher's encouragement of his writing, however, that gave Henkes the idea for his future career.

Henkes' first picture book, drafted while he was still in high school, was accepted for publication when he was just 19, an art major at the University of Wisconsin. Since then, he has worked steadily, writing and illustrating. Henkes's first book was written during his freshman year in college. Equipped with a list of publishers, he took his portfolio to New York. Within days he had his first book contract, a sign of both his talent and the vision of Greenwillow's editor-in-chief, Susan Hirschman, who has published all of his books to date.

** Other Works: **
All Alone, 1981 Sheila Rae, The Brave, 1987. Chester's Way, 1988. Jessica, 1989. Julius, the Baby of the World, 1990. Owen, 1993. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, 1996. Kitten's First Full Moon,2004. Two Under Par, 1987. The Zebra Wall, 1988. Olive's Ocean, 2003.

** Awards: **
Caldecott Honor Book Award for Owen (1993). American Library Association Notable Book for Chester's Way, Chrysanthemum, Julius, the Baby of the World and Owen. Publisher's Weekly Best Book for Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. School Library Journal Best Book of the Year for Chrysanthemum, Jessica and Owen. Many other awards

** Historical Context: **
Genre: Children's Literature. First published in September 16th, 1991 by Greenwillow.

** Major Themes: **
Compassion, love, support, overcoming differences, bullying in school, and self-esteem issues.

** Citations: **
[] [] [] [|http://reviews-of-childrens literature.pbworks.com/w/page/33611993/Chrysanthemum%20by%20Kevin%20Henkes]