Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse is my favorite of Kevin Henkes books. Lilly is one effervescent, outgoing, enthusiastic little mouse. She exudes excitement and wants to share her favorite things with anyone and everything right this minute! She is especially fond of her new teacher, Mr. Slinger who just gets it and gets her. 

Until one day, when Lilly is eager to share her brand new purple plastic purse and all the jingly Knick knacks she’s packed inside- impatience gets the best of her. Lilly interrupts another student, is redirected by Mr. Slinger, and explodes in frustration. She reacts by hurling insults left and right, and feeling remorse about them long after all is said and done. 

I love this book for true grace her teacher gives Lilly. I’ve used the wise words he shares with Lilly after finding a unflattering caricature she draws of him out of spite. Instead of reprimanding, shaming, making Lilly feel worse than she already does, he simply says...”Today was a difficult day. Tomorrow will be better.” Wise words I’ve used many times in teaching, parenting, and self talk to myself.