Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 8, 2016

Review

Twentieth Anniversary Edition

Lilly loves school! She loves the pointy pencils and squeaky chalk, and most of all, Lilly loves her teacher, Mr. Slinger. At home, she even pretends to be Mr. Slinger when she plays school. Lilly loves school! That is until one morning when Lilly comes to school especially excited with some new special things to share: movie star sunglasses, three quarters and a purple plastic purse. Lilly really can’t wait to show everyone her new treasures, but Mr. Slinger repeatedly tells Lilly “not now” and then ends up taking them away. Lilly lets her anger get the better of her and she draws a picture of her “BIG FAT MEAN MR. STEALING TEACHER!” and slips it into his bag. When Lilly gets her purple plastic purse back at the end of the school day, she finds a kind note from Mr. Slinger inside. Lilly regrets her actions and must figure out how to apologize to her teacher. Henkes fantastic illustrations, in watercolor paints and black pen, as well as his clever use of panels and dialogue keep the reader enthralled. This twentieth anniversary edition includes a foreword by Kevin Henkes. This book would be a great addition to a Kevin Henkes author study, a welcome to school read-aloud or a story time about classroom rules. Recommended for pre-K - 2nd grade.

Overall Book Score: excellent