Finding Joy in ‘Chrysanthemum’: A Mom’s Heartfelt Review
Sometimes, after a long day of juggling snack time meltdowns and wrestling with the laundry mountain, I crave a quiet moment with my little ones. Recently, that calm came when we settled in for a cozy storytime and picked Kevin Henkes’ Chrysanthemum. The title alone sparked curiosity, with my own unique (and often mispronounced) name coming to mind—Gundula. I knew instantly that this book would resonate with my heart and my children, and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
Chrysanthemum tells the story of a little mouse with a name that’s as beautiful as it is long. She adores her name until she goes to school and finds herself the target of teasing from her classmates—especially from the snarky Victoria and her crew. The book beautifully encapsulates the themes of self-love, the importance of names, and the pain of bullying. With my kids, ages six and four, I could see their faces shift from excitement to empathy as Chrysanthemum navigated the ups and downs of her school life.
The illustrations, while charming and vibrant, feature the main characters as adorable little mice. It’s a style that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it keeps the mood light and engaging. I watched my kids giggle as they flipped through the pages filled with colorful scenarios, especially when Chrysanthemum’s parents cheered her on. “Look at how cute she is, Mommy!” my youngest exclaimed, pointing at the jubilant illustrations. It was that shared joy that sparked deeper conversations about our names and what makes each of us unique.
One of my favorite lines from the book occurs when Chrysanthemum finally steps into her own power, inspired by the understanding Mrs. Twinkle. As we read, I reflected on how important it is for kids to learn not only to stand tall when faced with adversity but to cultivate kindness in their hearts. My kids both nodded knowingly, as if they understood—albeit intuitively—that words have power, both for good and for harm.
After finishing the book, my little ones had an interesting twist on the ending. Instead of focusing on the light-hearted giggle Chrysanthemum has at Victoria’s expense, they were quick to point out how it’s important to be nice, even when we’re hurt. “Maybe she should just tell her how it feels,” my oldest said, embodying the compassion I hope to nurture in them every day. It was a sweet moment that showed how literature can challenge our perspectives and inspire meaningful dialogue.
I wholeheartedly recommend Chrysanthemum to children ages four to eight, especially if you’ve got a little one who has a name that stands out, or even if they’re grappling with fitting in at school. This book isn’t just a one-time read; it has become a nighttime staple in our household, one that invites sweet conversations and heartwarming moments.
On a personal level, Chrysanthemum resonates with me as I remember my own struggles with name-calling as a child. It’s comforting to see my kids explore these themes, reflecting on kindness and understanding early on. Kevin Henkes has created a book that not only captures the chaos and charm of childhood but encourages a resilient spirit, making it a treasured addition to our family’s bookshelf.
Check out Chrysanthemum on Goodreads >>
