Chrysanthemum is one of four new videos that kick
off a new series entitled the Scholastic Video Collection. This series
brings together animated adaptations of well-known and much-loved children's books.
This video features three animated stories based on books by Kevin
Henkes. Henkes' stories feature his signature mouse characters in stories about learning
and growing, and compelling plots that keep children engaged.
Meryl Streep does a stellar job of narrating the title story, Chrysanthemum.
This story is about a lovely, happy little mouse whose parents proudly named
her a somewhat unusual--and long--name, Chrysanthemum. The little mouse adored
her name...that is, until school began and her name's unwieldy length (it "scarcely
fits" on her name tag) and origin (she's named after a flower) come under question
with her classmates.
Exactly how this problem, which positively wilts the little mouse, is resolved
is clever and heartwarming. The narration is fantastic, and, combined with a
story that keeps viewers pleasantly on the edge of their seats, creates just
the right anticipation for the story's satisfying and triumphant end.
Next up is Owen, a story about a little mouse whose attachment to a
yellow security blanket, which he affectionately names "Fuzzy", becomes an issue
when it is time to go to school. Owen thought Fuzzy was absolutely "essential",
especially for things like getting his nails clipped and going to the dentist.
As with the first story in the video, the solution to the problem is enormously
fun to watch unfold. Sarah Jessica Parker's enthusiastic narration adds energy
to an already delightful story.
Finally, A Weekend with Wendell tells a charming story of a little
girl mouse who is faced with spending a weekend with a rather difficult boy
named Wendell. The friendship that builds between the two little mice--and more
interestingly, just how it develops--is engaging and especially humorous. After
Sophie "puts up with" Wendell's practical jokes and general bossiness (when
they play "hospital", for example, he casts himself in the role of doctor, nurse,
and patient), she learns that making her own wishes clear opens up an
entirely new--and rewarding--interaction.
This collection of animated stories provides gentle life lessons about socialization
in engaging ways. Henkes cleverly captures the attention of both children and
parents through believable predicaments and warm family interplays. Although
the solutions to his mice characters' problems are sometimes a little too easy,
the storytelling is superb, never predictable, and emotionally uplifting. Best
yet, each story is available in print, so that kids can delight in the rewards
of reading a story and viewing its video adaptation in whichever order suits
them best.
Rating: 
