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TL;DR: Chrysanthemum, a little mouse, thinks her name is absolutely perfect, until she starts school. Her classmates tease her because her name is long and because she is named after a flower. Chrysanthemum wilts. Then the class's beloved music teacher reveals her own unusual name, and Chrysanthemum blooms again.
Table of Contents
Chrysanthemum at a Glance
| Author | Kevin Henkes |
| First published | 1991 |
| Type | Picture book |
| Best for | young children starting school, especially those who feel different |
Chrysanthemum is a picture book by Kevin Henkes, published in 1991. It is a popular back-to-school book about names, teasing and self-esteem. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Main Characters
- Chrysanthemum: A little mouse who loves her name.
- Her parents: Who adore her and her name.
- Victoria: A classmate who teases her.
- Rita and Jo: Victoria's friends.
- Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle: The music teacher everyone admires.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A perfect name
When Chrysanthemum is born, her parents choose a name that is absolutely perfect. She loves the way it sounds when her mother wakes her, her father calls her for dinner and she whispers it to herself.
School
On the first day of school, the children giggle when the teacher reads her name. Victoria points out that her name has thirteen letters, half the alphabet. Chrysanthemum wilts.
Teasing
The teasing continues: she is named after a flower, and she will smell like one. Each night, her parents comfort her with treats and hugs, saying her name is perfect. But each day, the teasing returns.
Mrs. Twinkle
The class meets the music teacher, Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle, whom everyone admires. When the girls tease Chrysanthemum, Mrs. Twinkle says her own name is long, and she is named after a flower too. She says if she has a baby girl, she might name her Chrysanthemum.
The ending
Suddenly, all the girls want flower names. Chrysanthemum blooms with confidence. At the school play, Chrysanthemum is happy and proud. Mrs. Twinkle has a baby girl and names her Chrysanthemum.
5 Key Takeaways
- Names are part of who we are.
- Teasing hurts.
- Family love helps us through hard times.
- A kind adult can change everything.
- Being different can be special.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Your name is absolutely perfect.
- What makes you different can make you shine.
- Kindness can turn a bad day into a good one.
Who Should Read Chrysanthemum?
Read Chrysanthemum if you want a warm story about self-esteem. It suits ages 3 to 7 and is perfect for the start of school.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Chrysanthemum:
- Why does the teasing hurt Chrysanthemum?
- How do her parents help?
- What is the story behind your name?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Chrysanthemum is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Chrysanthemum, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. Henkes captures the hurt of teasing and the comfort of family with gentle humor. The illustrations are expressive and charming. It is a great book for talking about kindness and for helping children with unusual names feel proud.
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What to Read Next
- Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes: another Henkes mouse story
- Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes: a worried mouse starts school
- The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi: a girl and her name
Related: 15 Books Like Chrysanthemum You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chrysanthemum about?
A mouse is teased for her name until a teacher helps her feel proud.
Who wrote it?
Kevin Henkes.
How many letters are in Chrysanthemum?
Thirteen.
Who is Mrs. Twinkle?
The music teacher, whose name is Delphinium.
What does Mrs. Twinkle name her baby?
Chrysanthemum.
What age is it for?
About 3 to 7.
How long is it?
About 32 pages.
Is it good for the first day of school?
Yes, it is a popular back-to-school read.
How can I use it with kids?
Count the letters in each child's name and share the stories behind them.
What is a chrysanthemum?
A flower with many colorful petals, often called a mum.
What does it teach?
That names are special and teasing is unkind.
Why do the girls change their minds?
They admire Mrs. Twinkle, so when she praises Chrysanthemum's name, they suddenly want flower names too.
What other books did Kevin Henkes write?
Many, including Kitten's First Full Moon, which won the Caldecott Medal, and Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse.
Is it good for children who are teased?
Yes. It shows that teasing hurts and that family and kind adults can help.
Who are the main characters in Chrysanthemum?
The main characters are Chrysanthemum, Her parents, Victoria, Rita and Jo and Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. Chrysanthemum: A little mouse who loves her name. Her parents: Who adore her and her name. Victoria: A classmate who teases her.
Is Chrysanthemum worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for young children starting school, especially those who feel different. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.