Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum has a brand-new look! This modern classic by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten’s First Full Moon, has sold more than a million copies! Chrysanthemum is beloved by librarians, teachers, parents, and students alike.

Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. “You’re named after a flower!” teases Victoria. “Let’s smell her,” says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?

For nearly thirty years, Chrysanthemum has been a household and classroom favorite, and a refreshed cover design, larger trim size, and welcome letter from the author will bring the paperback edition of Kevin Henkes’s beloved classic to a whole new generation of young readers. Chrysanthemum is a celebration of diversity, self-esteem, and acceptance for every child who has ever felt out of place for being different.

The Horn Book said this ALA Notable Book is “Perfectly executed in words and illustration . . . .exemplifies Henkes’s talent for creating true picture stories for young audiences.”

Author/Illustrator

Kevin Henkes has been praised both as a writer and as an illustrator. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon; Caldecott Honors for Waiting and Owen; two Newbery Honors—one for Olive’s Ocean and one for The Year of Billy Miller—and Geisel Honors for Waiting and Penny and Her Marble. His other books include Egg, Old Bear, A Good Day, Chrysanthemum, and the beloved Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin

"Perfectly executed in words and illustration, Chrysanthemum exemplifies Henkes's talent for creating true picture stories for young audiences."—The Horn Book

This popular picture book has sold more than a million copies and was named a Notable Book for Children by the American Library Association.

• Horn Book Fanfare
• ALA Notable Children's Book