The summer is winding down. Even though there is still another month until the official start of fall, I feel the crispness in the air when I go out early in the morning.

With the end of the summer comes the beginning of the new school year. As a child, that was heralded by the purchase of a school outfit, a shiny pair of shoes, and brand new school supplies. Many years later, as a teacher, I busied myself with preparing the room for a new flock of kindergarteners.

Parents…you have a difficult job…helping your child adjust to a new teacher, a new class, perhaps even a new school. And today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection is a great story to read, especially if your child seems to be having a problem transitioning to the new situation.

Chrysanthemum

Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (1991)

Ages: 3 and up

Themes:

Teasing, acceptance, self-esteem

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

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?

Opening Lines:

The day she was born was the happiest day in her parents’ lives.

“She’s perfect,” said her mother.

“Absolutely perfect,” said her father.

And she was.

She was absolutely perfect.

Why I like this book:

• Kids need help dealing with the challenges of childhood…Kevin Henkes understands this perfectly and he delivers a story that every child and every parent will be able to relate to.
• I love that this book provides an opportunity for open communication about what might be bothering your child.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

 YouTube reading of Chrysanthemum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2pCR8YHszM

 Teaching guide on Kevin Henkes website: http://www.kevinhenkes.com/book/chrysanthemum-2/

 This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susannah Leonard Hill. Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, dear friends and readers. We will be announcing the winner of the copy of Jill Esbaum’s If a T-Rex Crashes Your Birthday Party next month…and stay tuned for lots more book giveaways because there will be one with every Will Write for Cookie post. I’m SO VERY EXCITED about the line-up of authors and illustrators for the rest of the year: Joan Leotta, Sylvia Liu, Emma Bland Smith, Jessica Lawson, and on the third Saturday in December…Duncan Tonituah. Right now, I’m putting together next year’s schedule…and I can tell you that March 2017 is going to be one busy month…with Marcie Colleen spotlighting as our Will Write for Cookies author, the #50 Precious Words Contest (oh my gosh…do you think we will have another incredible turnout…will we surpass last year’s 128 entries?), and the launch of my own debut nonfiction picture book, Sweet Dreams, Sarah.

I’m eating lots of Wheaties in preparation for all of that!!!! And I sure do hope you all join me!