Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

About the Book

Lilly, a personality-packed mouse, loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger. And who wouldn’t? He was “sharp as a tack. He wore artistic shirts.” She so wants to please Mr. Slinger but it’s hard on the day that she brings her new purple plastic purse to school. The purse plays a catchy tune when opened–and she can’t resist opening it. Mr. Slinger confiscates it for the day to Lilly’s dismay and then anger. How the conflict plays out is true to childhood and to the kindness of the best teachers everywhere. The illustrations are priceless, conveying Lilly’s sweep of emotions and the essence of a great classroom.

Why this Book?

The incomparable Mr. Slinger is a terrific addition to the cast of Chester’s Way, another excellent book in which Lilly first appears. Henkes gets everything right: how children act and feel, their reactions to a beloved teacher, what good teaching looks like. The pictures will make any reader smile. As the book cover shows, Henkes excels at the use of several small illustrations in a row to show action or changing emotions. And the writing’s just as great. Lilly’s initial reaction to Mr. Slinger–a phrase that’s become part of my own repertoire–sums up my reaction to this book: “‘Wow,’ said Lilly. That was just about all she could say. ‘Wow.'”