Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Written and Illustrated by: Kevin Henkes
Genre: Fantasy and Science Fiction
Grades: 1-3
Awards: None

This book follows a mouse by the name of Lilly. Lilly loved everything about school, from the pencils, chalk, her own desk, cafeteria food, but most of all, she loved her teacher Mr. Slinger. Lilly and her friends inspired to be a teacher, just like Mr. Slinger. One day, Lilly brought her big glasses and brand new purple plastic purse that played music once it was opened. During school, she kept disrupting the class as she wanted everyone to know about her big glasses and her brand new purse. Mr. Slinger decided to take her things away until the end of the day, so it will no longer disrupt the class. Lilly was first upset but then grew angry and furious. Lilly decided to draw a mean picture of Mr. Slinger that labeled him as a thief, big, and fat and put it into his book bag. Once Mr. Slinger gave Lilly back her belongings, she found snacks and a note from Mr. Slinger saying that "Today was a difficult day. Tomorrow will be better." Lilly instantly felt bad and ran home to explain to her parents what had happened. That night, Lilly drew a nice picture of Mr. Slinger and wrote a story about how he is the most amazing teacher. The next day, Lilly gave Mr. Slinger the note and story and explained how truly sorry she was. He forgave her and the class enjoyed the snacks that Lilly brought and they danced to the music from Lilly's brand new purse.

This would be a good back to have in the classroom, as it teaches students what it means to be respectful during class time. This book would be good for first to third graders. The students can do a sequencing activity to explain the order of events in the book. The students can also write and explain to the class of what is and what is not acceptable to talk about during the class period.