Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse (1996)

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes is intended for students between the ages of four and eight. In the story, a student begins by talking about her favorite teacher, then she brings her purse to school and disrupts the class with it. She then dislikes the teacher for taking her purse away for the school day before giving it back with a note about the next day being good.
I believe this is a perfect book for introducing show and tell in the classroom in addition to discussing classroom behavior and expectations in the beginning of the school year. The book also discusses how the teacher took the purse away and gave it back for good reason, rather than doing it out of spite. It gives students insight into why teachers do things and the productive routine of the classroom. Lastly, although the main character idolizes the teacher, the author also notes that the student has numerous aspirations for what she wants to be when she grows up rather than just being a teacher because she enjoys her teacher. I believe it can be relatable and insightful to students as a good resource for class read aloud. ( )

Lilly loves school and wants to be a teacher when she grows up until she comes to class with her new plastic purse that she wants to show off but cannot. She gets upset with her teacher and leaves him a mean note that she immediately regrets, apologizes and hopes for forgiveness. Teachers can teach students about apologies and forgiveness. ( )

When Lilly brings her purple purse to school and distracts the entire class, Mr. Slinger is not amused. Mr. Slinger holds her belongings until the end of the day, making Lilly extremely upset. She draws a mean picture and sneaks it in his bag. After realizing Mr. Slinger left a kind note and some snacks in her purse when she got it back, she feels bad and tries her hardest to make it up to him. The illustrations in this book are phenomenal, and are definitely my favorite part of the entire book. ( )

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse is a fun story with a lesson for children on asking forgiveness and making amends. Every child will be able to relate to how Lilly's excitement over her new purple purse (and its contents) distracts her and her classmates from their schoolwork until her teacher finally takes them away for the rest of the day. Lilly's anger makes her retaliate against her teacher, but she quickly sees the error of her ways and works to make amends.

Lilly Purple Plastic Purse is a fun story with bright pictures that kids will both relate to and enjoy. ( )

One little mice loves her teacher so much she even wants to be a teacher when she grows up too. However when the little mice gets in trouble for not following the rules, she does not like her teacher anymore. However she starts feeling remorseful and wants forgiveness from her teacher. This book is a great way to teach students about consequences and following the rules. ( )