Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Book Title: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

Author(s): Kevin Henkes

Illustrator/Photographer/Artist: Kevin Henkes

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Copyright Date: 1996

Genre: Fiction picturebook

Brief Annotation: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse follows young Lilly, a girl who loves school and idolizes her teacher, Mr. Slinger. One day when Lilly gets a brand new purple purse she brings it to school and just can’t contain her excitement. When the purse becomes a distraction Mr. Slinger takes it, causing Lilly’s adoration to turn to bitter anger. She writes him a nasty note, feels guilty that night, and tries to find ways to apologize the following day at school.

Your Rating (1-5) and why: (5): I love this book just as much as I did when I read it as a child! The illustrations are clever and witty, and I think it exemplifies very accurately the emotions a child goes through from anger to guilt to resolving the conflict. It also helped remind me that, from a child’s perspective, they’re not trying to be disruptive with a new toy in class when they just can’t hold in their excitement!

Readers who will like this book: Readers who will like this book are children who love to play with toys like Lilly’s purple purse and can understand the excitement of bringing things in to class to share. I loved this book because I wanted a purple purse like Lilly’s!

Question to ask about this book before a read aloud: Prior to reading Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse I would ask the kids in class if they have a favorite toy at home. What makes that toy special? What would they tell us about it if they brought it in to class? Maybe we would set up a show & tell time on purpose prior to reading this read-aloud.