How Does 'Chrysanthemum' End?

The ending of 'Chrysanthemum' is bittersweet but ultimately uplifting. After facing relentless bullying at school for her unique name, Chrysanthemum starts doubting herself and loses confidence. The turning point comes when the music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle, reveals her own unusual name—Delphinium—and praises Chrysanthemum's name as beautiful. This moment validates Chrysanthemum’s identity, and the classmates who mocked her suddenly change their tune. The story closes with Chrysanthemum blooming back into her cheerful self, proud of her name again. It’s a simple yet powerful message about self-acceptance and the impact of kindness. The illustrations mirror this emotional journey, shifting from muted tones to vibrant colors as Chrysanthemum reclaims her joy.

I adore how 'Chrysanthemum' wraps up—it’s a masterclass in emotional payoff. The protagonist spends most of the story enduring cruel taunts from peers like Victoria, who sneer at her long, floral name. The bullying escalates to subtle details: wilted flowers in the artwork, Chrysanthemum’s shrinking posture. Then enters Mrs. Twinkle, the effervescent music teacher who becomes the unexpected hero. When she shares her full name (Delphinium Twinkle), it’s a mic-drop moment that silences the bullies. The genius lies in how the resolution isn’t about changing Chrysanthemum but changing her environment.

What really gets me is the thematic depth. The ending doesn’t just stop at 'be yourself'; it shows how role models can shift societal perceptions. Mrs. Twinkle’s authority and charisma make the kids reconsider their cruelty, proving that empathy often needs a catalyst. The final pages show Chrysanthemum sleeping peacefully, cradled by a blanket of stars—a visual metaphor for her restored self-worth. Kevin Henkes doesn’t tie everything up neatly; some classmates still side-eye her, but that realism makes the victory sweeter. For kids reading, it’s a gentle lesson: sometimes, all it takes is one person seeing your worth to help others see it too.

The climax of 'Chrysanthemum' hits like a warm hug. After weeks of misery—counting the letters in her name, shrinking into herself—Chrysanthemum meets Mrs. Twinkle, whose admiration for her name flips the script. The bullies, previously relentless, suddenly backtrack when their cool teacher calls Chrysanthemum 'perfect.' It’s satisfying but nuanced; the story acknowledges that validation from authority figures can reshape peer dynamics overnight. The ending doesn’t erase the pain but shows resilience. Chrysanthemum’s parents celebrate her with a cake, reinforcing family support as her bedrock.

Visually, the ending echoes this growth. Early scenes frame Chrysanthemum small and isolated, while the final spreads show her expansive and radiant. Henkes leaves a thread of realism: Victoria, the main bully, still looks skeptical, hinting that not everyone learns the lesson. This subtlety makes the story relatable—change isn’t instant, but self-worth can anchor you through storms. For deeper dives into themes like this, I’d recommend 'The Name Jar' for its cultural twist on identity struggles.