kimberly_b's review against another edition
1.0
I'm not in the habit of rating the dozens and dozens of children's books I read to my kids, but I had to review this one. This is a terrible book and I can't figure out why the heck everyone thinks it's so wonderful! Basically, it's about a girl named Chrysanthemum who doesn't like her name, because she gets teased and bullied for it (her friends have 'normal' names). Then, one of her teachers tells Chrysanthemum how much she loves her name and that she wants to name her baby (the teacher is pregnant) Chrysanthemum. Suddenly, Chrysanthemum loves her name because her teacher says it's an awesome name. What kind of message is that?! Yeah, let's teach little girls to evaluate themselves and their feelings of self-worth based on other people! This book doesn't even deserve 1 star. I hope parents look beyond the books popularity and critically think about what it's message is to young kids. It's completely beyond me why this book is on must-read lists for young children.
jcpdiesel21's review against another edition
5.0
Such an adorable and charming book! I love how Henkes celebrates the joy of having an unusual name. I greatly sympathize with Chrysanthemum since I also have a unique name that I loved as a young child but disliked upon starting school when teasing, misspellings and mispronunciation all became commonplace; as an adult, I have come to enjoy and appreciate my name once more.
blankcrayon's review against another edition
3.0
Read to third graders during reader's workshop. Used to build text-to-self connections, text-to-text connections, and writing skills.
lyfordkasey's review against another edition
4.0
This story can show children how important it is to be kind to everyone, and not make fun of them. Especially over things they can not control. My students picked up very easily all the mean things that were said in this story, and what the main character could have done.
emilybriano's review
5.0
I absolutely love reading this book with Catherine. I love the cadence of "Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum" over and over. I love her outfits. I love how she loves her name and is her own person....errr mouse. I love how loving her parents are (and can we talk about her dad's excellent vocabulary and supportive reading habits?) I love how the mean girls get their due in the end and want a little share of Chrysanthemum's unique and magical spirit. Maybe...just maybe I would like to be Chrysanthemum when I grow up. In the mean time, if someone finds a dress with seven pockets for my secret treasures couldya help a sister out?
sassmistress's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Not my cup of tea yet, but my 5yo loves it. Very well written, the right amount of repetition, good, respectful vocabulary. Chrysanthemum is teased for her name until the cool substitute teacher has a similar name, and says she'd consider naming her new baby Chrysanthemum. Then the teasers all want to go by flower names too, and Chrysanthemum feels good about her perfect name again.
I do love the whimsical pregnant teacher!
I do love the whimsical pregnant teacher!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Bullying
Chrysanthemum has a nightmare; sensitive kids might find the picture scary.Parents have been supportive, positive, and encouraging when Chrysanthemum comes home from school crying. Her favorite foods, along with hugs and Parchisi, make her feel better.
Both Chrysanthemum and her name are called "perfect".
mallorykjorgensen's review against another edition
4.0
Chrysanthemum is a wonderful book about learning to find happiness within one's unique identity. Filled with colorful illustrations, this book is a delightful tale about a young girl who loves her unusual name until her peers at school begin to make fun of her. Throughout the story, Chrysanthemum's parents encourage her to embrace her identity and be happy with herself, but Chrysanthemum is miserable until a teacher gives her the highest compliment. Not only does she like Chrysanthemum's name, but she intends give the name to her baby girl. Finally, the other children look at Chrysanthemum with jealousy, and she realizes that her name is unique and beautiful. This is a wonderful story to share with students, young and old, who are trying to find their own unique identity.