Chrysanthemum

The kids' three all-time-favorite Kevin Henkes' picture books are Chrysanthemum, Wemberly Worried, and Kitten's First Full Moon.

Chrysanthemum relishes her parents' hand-picked name for her . . . that is . . . until the first day of kindergarten.  Let's face it: children relate to stories empathizing with their problems!  So who hasn't been teased before . . . name-called . . . possibly with a variation of one's given name?  Show of hands.  Oh, just about everyone.  Right.  Enter Chrysanthemum where Kevin Henkes massages these childhood vulnerabilities into a bright ending that kids just relish.  What else I like about Chrysanthemum (c. 1996), suggested for ages 4-8:

• Kevin Henkes' signature watercolor and ink drawings
• the close knit family providing comfort and stability
• the moral: be yourself / it's okay to be unique

And as for Wemberly Worried, well you'll just have to wait for that recommendation until August, right before school starts.  Trust me, it will be more timely then.  However, stick around this week for more Kevin Henkes book recommendations and a drawing to receive a free book.