It's really that simple...
 *  One Great Story
 *  Multiple Readings
 *  Fun & Educational Follow-up Activities​

Beyond the Book​

Each Beyond the Book Download Includes:
  • Getting Started - an introduction to the Read it Again method
  • Comprehension Questions  -  A list of  questions that tap into different levels of understanding and foster conversations about the story
  • ​Vocabulary Flashcards - Along with the flashcards, you'll also receive ideas for putting the cards to use in multiple ways
  • Writing - We provide an image and story prompt designed to extend the theme of the story. No we don't expect your child to write just yet. Instead, you can take down the dictation of the story your child tells.
  • Story Elements Page - Understanding what makes a story a story is an important skill.  This activity asks your child to identify the following: characters, setting, problem, solution, favorite part, and summary.
  • Cooking ideas related to the story
  • Art ideas related to the story
  • Links to  Great Games,  toys, manipulatives, and movies
  • Information on the Research behind ReaditAgain​

Important Note: This download does not include the book, only the resources listed above. The book may be purchased separately by clicking here. ​
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​Click HERE to see what's included with each
​download purchased.
Please note that you are purchasing the resources only.

How to "Read it Again" 

 1. The first time you read the book, try to read it all the way through without stopping. 

2. After reading, go back into the story and ask your child to tell
​you what the story was about, retell the story or simply ask your child to explain what's happening within specific illustrations.

3. Over the course of the next week, try to fit in two to three more readings of the book. It's okay to read the book multiple times a day... we actually encourage it! After each subsequent reading, ask comprehension questions.

or...

4. Consider taking your child's learning to the next level by purchasing the our Beyond the Book Resources. Each download ($2.99) includes multiple educational activities created specifically for that book.
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​5. It’s within this layering of reading and follow-up activities that the real magic happens.

Why I Love This Book

Kevin Henkes has been one of my favorite children's authors for a very long time. So much so, that I've practically memorized many of his books. However this is my all time favorite Henkes title.​
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Themes 
  • Love Yourself for Who You Already Are
  • Kindness
  • ​Overcoming Obstacles
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Awards & Accolades
  • ALA Notable Book 
  • ​School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
  • ​Horn Book Fanfare Honor List

Teachable Moments
This book offers multiple opportunities for learning that go far beyond what's printed on the page or seen in the illustrations. Here's a small sample:
  • Parts of a Book (Cover, Title, Author, Illustrator, Spine, End Papers...)
  • Story Structure (Characters, Setting, Plot...)
  • Rich Vocabulary 
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • Name Recognition​
  • Character Growth & Change Over Time
  • Order of Events /Plot
  • The Power of Repeated Words and Phrases " Your name is absolutely perfect"  "Chrysanthemum loved her name"
  • Problems & Solutions
  • The Story Behind a Person's Name 
  • Being Kind and Accepting of Others

Chrysanthemum Themed Toys

Adding an element of play is yet another way to deepen the understanding of the concepts introduced within the multiple readings of the story. You'll be surprised at the amount of learning that's transferred and reinforced through  imaginative play.
Why I Love These Specific Playthings:
  • Each item has a direct connection to Chrysanthemum.
  • There are no batteries.
  • They encourage imaginative play.
  • They make it easy to re-enact the story.
  • ​They take the learning another step forward.​
Parcheesi
​$16.99
Mouse Family  $49.99
Wood Cutting Birthday Cake $20.99
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​Flower Garden
Building Toy 
​ $38.79
Please note that these are affiliate links.
If you purchase anything through any of my  links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll make a small commission which helps me keep the lights on.  
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald