Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Last updated Wednesday, July 7, 2004

Author: Kevin Henkes
Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Date of Publication: 1996
ISBN: 0688128971
Grade Level: 3rd
Date(s) Used: July 2004

Synopsis: Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can't wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions.

Discussion topics for before reading:

• What do you want to be when you grow up?
• What is your favorite thing that you have at home?
• Is it hard to pay attention at school sometimes? What do you do?

Discussion topics for after reading:

• Have you ever been mad at someone like Lily was? What did you do to make up?
• What kinds of things are you not allowed to bring to school? Why?
• Why do the children like Mr. Slinger so much?

Craft ideas:

• Make a treasure box (or purse) from construction paper or other material of special things.
• Write a letter to your teacher telling the teacher what you want to be when you grow up, and draw pictures of it.
• Make a mobile out with some of the mice in the story, including Lily and Mr. Slinger.

Special challenge:

• Have the children do an “interpretive dance” when you call out descriptions - Dance like a worm, dance like a frog, dance like a bird, etc., etc.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!