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.