The term “Old Favorite” is what ReaderKidZ uses to describe a book that’s been around a while.  A book that finds its way, year after year, into the collection of those that are read and shared many times over the course of any given year.

CHRYSANTHEMUM by Kevin Henkes, is one such book. Not only is Chrysanthemum, the small protagonist mouse for whom the story is named, “absolutely perfect.” So is the book that is her namesake.

There’s something magical about this little mouse’s name and while it takes an introduction to her music teacher, Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle, for Chrysanthemum to learn to appreciate her “flower-girl” roots, by story’s end, Chrysanthemum does not think her name is absolutely perfect.  She knows it is.

Pair this book about names with another award-winning Henkes book about school, LILLY’S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out these other ReaderKidZ Back-to-School book recommendations: Please. Say My Name and New Beginnings.

September is just around the corner! Check back soon for our September Author-In-Residence, BARBARA O’CONNOR, and more Beyond Boundaries, Book Room, and Tool Box offerings on the theme, “A Friend for All Seasons.”