Summary
Chrysanthemum is a beloved children's book by Kevin Henkes that has captivated young readers since its publication in 1991. Starring a young mouse who loves her unique name, this delightful story explores themes of self-esteem, bullying, and acceptance in a relatable and heartwarming way. Henkes, an acclaimed author and illustrator, has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor. Chrysanthemum showcases his signature style of combining charming illustrations with insightful storytelling.
Plot
Chrysanthemum is a young mouse girl who loves her unique name, feeling it's perfect for her. However, her confidence is shaken when she starts school and faces teasing from her classmates. Victoria and Jo mock her, saying she's named after a flower, causing Chrysanthemum to feel self-conscious and unhappy. As the story progresses, Chrysanthemum's struggles at school intensify. The teasing continues, and she begins to doubt herself more and more. Her once-beloved name now feels like a burden, and she wishes she could change it to something more ordinary.
A turning point comes when the students are introduced to their new music teacher, Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. Chrysanthemum is surprised to learn that Mrs. Twinkle is also named after a flower. This revelation begins to shift the perception of Chrysanthemum's name among her classmates.
Inspired by Mrs. Twinkle, Chrysanthemum starts to regain her confidence. Her classmates' attitudes change, and they begin to appreciate the uniqueness of her name. By the end of the story, Chrysanthemum has fully embraced her identity once again, feeling proud of who she is and the special name she bears.
Themes
Self-esteem and acceptance
Bullying and its effects
Importance of individuality
Power of positive role models
Overcoming insecurities
Family support and encouragement
Embracing one's unique qualities
Setting
Published in 1991, Chrysanthemum takes place in a contemporary setting. While the exact year is not specified, the themes and situations presented are relatable to modern audiences, particularly those familiar with elementary school experiences.
The story unfolds primarily in two main locations. The first is Chrysanthemum's home, where she initially feels confident and loved. The second, and more prominent, setting is her school, where she faces challenges and ultimately finds resolution.
Within the school, specific areas play important roles in the story's progression. The classroom serves as the site of Chrysanthemum's struggles with teasing, while the music room becomes a place of validation and acceptance when Mrs. Twinkle is introduced. These familiar school spaces help young readers connect with Chrysanthemum's experiences and emotions throughout the story.
Characters
Chrysanthemum: The main character and protagonist. Chrysanthemum is a young mouse who loves her unique name until she starts school and faces teasing from classmates. She experiences self-doubt and sadness but, with the help of her teacher, ultimately regains her confidence. Chrysanthemum's journey represents the challenges of self-acceptance and overcoming peer pressure.
Victoria: One of Chrysanthemum's classmates. Victoria initiates the teasing about Chrysanthemum's name, claiming superiority because she's named after her grandmother. Her actions highlight the impact of peer influence on self-esteem.
Jo: Another classmate who joins in teasing Chrysanthemum. Jo suggests smelling Chrysanthemum because she's named after a flower, further contributing to the protagonist's discomfort.
Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle: The music teacher who plays a crucial role in helping Chrysanthemum regain her confidence. Mrs. Twinkle, also named after a flower, serves as a positive role model and demonstrates the beauty of unique names. Her presence helps Chrysanthemum blossom and feel proud of her name again.
Chrysanthemum's parents: Minor characters who support and love Chrysanthemum. They chose her name with care and try to reassure her when she faces difficulties at school.
Quick facts
Chrysanthemum was written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, published in 1991.
The title character is a young mouse who loves her unique name—until she starts school and classmates tease her for being named after a flower.
The story takes place primarily in a school setting.
Chrysanthemum addresses themes of self-esteem, bullying, and acceptance.
Publishers Weekly praised the book's “sensitive treatment of peer pressure and self-esteem.”
Kirkus Reviews commended Henkes for his “characteristically understated humor” and “deft portrayal of classroom dynamics."
Chrysanthemum emphasizes the importance of kindness and the impact of words on others.
Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle, the music teacher, plays a pivotal role in helping Chrysanthemum regain her confidence.
Chrysanthemum has become a popular back-to-school book for young children and is often used in elementary school curricula.
The book has won several awards, including the School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.
Henke uses a soft, pastel color palette for the book’s illustrations.
Chrysanthemum has been adapted into a short animated film.
About the Author
Kevin Henkes (1960-) is an acclaimed American writer and illustrator of dozens of books for children, from picture books to middle-grade novels. He is perhaps best known for his beloved mouse characters—Lilly, Chester, Chrysanthemum, Julius, Owen, Wemberly, Sheila Rae, Wendell, and Penny.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Henkes began his career at the young age of 19 when he traveled to New York City with samples of his art and secured a contract for his first book. As an illustrator, he received the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 2005 for Kitten's First Full Moon. Two of his books for young readers, Olive's Ocean (2003) and The Year of Billy Miller (2013), have won the Newbery Honor Award. In 2016, his picture book Waiting was named both a Caldecott Honor Book and a Geisel Honor Book, marking only the second time an author has received that combination of awards.
Noting the author’s nuanced portrayals of children’s inner lives, The New York Times Book Review once declared, “Kevin Hankes is a genius.” In 2020, his contributions as an author and illustrator were recognized with the prestigious Children’s Literature Legacy Award. Henkes lives in Wisconsin with his family and continues to produce new works regularly.
