Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. “I’m named after my grandmother,” said Victoria. “You’re named after a flower.” Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn’t improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed…. (Kevin Henkes)

       This book brought me back to my childhood days when I thought my name was weird. I also have quite a long name, last name, that is. Even my first name was hard to pronounce when I was little. I'm sure every child will relate to this book, just as i did, even if you have a long or short name. Chrysanthemum is about feeling confident about yourself and knowing that everyone is different. It talks about acceptance and reassurance. This is a must read.

Owen by Kevin Henkes

Owen’s fuzzy yellow blanket is his favorite possession. Everywhere Owen goes, his blanket goes with him. Upstairs, downstairs, in-between. Inside, outside, upside down. Everywhere! Owen’s parents are in despair—soon Owen will begin school, and he can’t take Fuzzy with him then. Whatever can be done? Everyone who’s ever had a favorite blanket will know exactly how Owen feels! (Kevin Henkes)

      

      Owen is exactly how a child should act when they become attached to something. Whether it is a blanket, a toy, or even a movie. Children should not be taken away from their prized possession, instead, children should either be redirected toward something different. I really liked how Owen’s Mother changed his blanket by cutting it up and turning it into a handkerchief. I never had a toy taken from me. I knew that my toys always had to stay home. I’m a sure child who has attachment issues with their things can really learn from Owen.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together...in The Invention of Hugo Cabret. (Brian Selznick)

       Hugo Cabret is an excellent book. It kept me wanting to read more and more. The story is told in both words and pictures to capture every detail mentioned, so the reader can have an idea of what the passages really look like. I like books that take you back in time and really make you focus on the reality of it really happening. It’s so intriguing, and mysterious, that I sometimes wondered throughout the story if Hugo Cabret really existed. This is also a must read.