Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Written by Kevin Henkes

Narrated by Laura Hamilton

Lilly loves school, and she especially loves her teacher, Mr. Slinger. When Lilly gets a purple plastic purse and brings it to school, she wants to show it to everyone. Mr. Slinger, however, makes her wait to show the purse, and Lilly gets mad.

What she does to Mr. Slinger – and how she makes up for her actions later – show Lilly at her funniest and most creative.

A Live Oak Media audio production.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Live Oak Media
• Release date: Jan 1, 2000
• ISBN: 9781430115359

Kevin Henkes

Kevin Henkes has been praised both as a writer and as an illustrator and is the recipient of the Children’s Literature Legacy Award for his lasting contribution to literature for children. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kitten’s First Full Moon; Caldecott Honors for Waiting and Owen; two Newbery Honors, one for Olive’s Ocean and one for The Year of Billy Miller; and Geisel Honors for Waiting and Penny and Her Marble. His other books include The World and Everything in It; A House; A Parade of Elephants; Chrysanthemum; and the beloved Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin.

Reviews for Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

[ashleytylerjohn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I'm not the target market. That said, there are some picture books which would garner 5 stars from me, no question. From an adult perspective, this was a pleasant enough, brief story, with some charming drawings, but nothing so spectacular, so moving, so deft in execution, or so spellbinding in story, as to warrant a more enthusiastic response.

(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).

[reinadecopiaypega · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cute story and wonderful illustrations !

[jkrnomad · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this every year with lower grades to discuss how we are going to deal with personal items brought from home. Great conversation starter!

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The first paragraph of Lisa Vegan's review is an echo of my thoughts - I'm glad I read this, but even though I'd seen it often before I finally picked it up, I thought I wouldn't care for it, and I needed a special push. For me, the push is realizing how much of Henkes' work I've loved, and deciding to read his oeuvre.

I think the title and cover art told me this was going to focus on the purse - and I'm not materialistic nor can I empathize with people who are. But the purse is more than a purse, and the story is much, much more than a story about a purse. It's another sweet and wise winner by Henkes, and that's all I want to say about it today.

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reread two years later - still love it - adding a star, actually - and adding the thought that I wish for every classroom to have a Lightbulb Lab - a table in the corner 'Where Great Ideas are Born.'

[hfetty1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! Many aspects of this book made me enjoy it! The illustrations made the story that much more interesting and engaging. Through these illustrations, readers are easily able to imagine the setting- a large portion of the story took place in a classroom. Many young readers have had the opportunity to be in a classroom so they are seeing a similar setting to one that they have seen once before. On page 4 there is an illustration of Lilly's teacher, Mr. Slinger, in his classroom. Seeing this classroom can allow readers to put themselves in Lilly's point of view. The overall theme of the story is something that I believe many can relate to. Sometimes we say or do things that we take back shortly after, or we never meant in the first place. On page 19, there is an illustration of Lilly's apology to Mr. Slinger and what she had originally said about him. On page 18, the fact that she put herself in time out, was something that readers can relate to and probably giggle at. The main idea or message that this story is trying to get across is to be careful of what you do/ say. Lilly wasn't thinking when she said those mean things about the teacher that she actually cares deeply about. Be careful what you do or say to avoid any repercussions!

[emilydrennan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse is one of Kevin Henke's most well known books of his mouse series. Lilly loves school, and especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger. Lilly loves everything about school and even wants to be a teacher when she grows up. Lilly had just gone shopping with her grandmother and she wanted to show off her new purse at school. When she got to school, Mr. Slinger told her to wait to share her new purchases. Lilly couldn't wait and she interrupted the whole class. Mr. Slinger wasn't happy and took Lilly's purse to his desk. Lilly was upset and drew a mean picture of Mr. Slinger and put it in his bag. At the end of the day Lilly got her purse back, and inside Mr. Slinger had left a nice note and a bag of snacks. Lilly felt terrible about the note she left and decided to write an apology. The next day Lilly and Mr. Slinger worked out their differences and everyone was happy. This is a story about not jumping to conclusions. Lilly was upset and made a quick decision to be me mean to Mr. Slinger, but then she realized that she made a mistake. I think children can learn a lot from this story about waiting their turn and being patient.

[mchapp1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the story “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” by Kevin Henkes because of the descriptive language, and colorful images. Throughout the story Henkes uses descriptions to highlight how much Lilly loved school. Henkes writes “Lilly loved school, she loved the pointy pencils, the squeaky chalk, and she loved the way her boots went clickety-clickety-click down the long shiny hallways”, as well as her admiration for her teacher Mr. Slinger and how far she went to get his attention including “standing in line for the bus when Mr. Slinger was on bus duty, even though she didn’t ride the bus”. The vivid images throughout the book greatly enhance the story as it captures the scene and the feelings, and expressions of the characters. This is important because it allows emerging or non-readers to understand the story without the words. The overall message of this story is that even our role models can get upset, but that doesn’t make them less of a role model, it makes them human. Another important message in this story is that everyone has bad days and makes mistakes, simply apologize and try harder the next day.

[hphipp2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lily's Purple Plastic Purse is a great book about making snap judgments. Lily gets a new purse and takes it into school. When the teacher takes it away during class, she writes this terrible note about how the teacher is a mean thief. She gets it back at the end of the day and feels bad that she made the decision to write the note out of anger. It's a good way to tell children that making snap decisions out of extreme anger or sadness or even happiness can lead to negative consequences.

[tburfe1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book because it was cute and fun to read. The language was clear, and the writing flowed really well. The character Lilly was easily relatable and developed fully. The story is from her point of view, and is illustrated really well. The drawings are detailed and colorful to engage the reader fully in the little mouse's adventures.The overarching message is one of forgiveness, and apologies.

[lgrube4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was one of my most favorite books as a child! I love Kevin Henkes and all of his books with the mice characters. They are so creative and the stories are always so fun and artistic. I love how Henkes uses mice instead of humans, because I lover seeing the way they are illustrated and how they are portrayed in the book. This particular book was about a girl named Lilly who loved school, and loved her teacher Mr, Slinger. One day she got a purple plastic purse, filled with new gifts from her parents and wanted to show them to her whole class. But she was being disruptive so Mr. Slinger had to take away all of her belongings until the end of the day. Lilly didn't liked this and wrote him a very mean note- but once Lilly got her purse back there was a nice note from her teacher along with a bag of her favorite snacks! She felt horrible and apologized the next day and brought snacks to her class. I thought this was a very great story for children to read because it's realistic. There are times when students are disruptive in class and have to be taught a lesson that they don't agree with. This story teaches children that it's not good to act on your harsh feelings immediately- you must think things through. Overall, I loved this book because of not only the story, but because every page has a different scene or illustration on it. It was very colorful and fun- I would recommend his books to anyone!

[karahankins-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thought this was an excellent book. One aspect I enjoyed were the relatable, well-developed characters of Lilly and Mr. Slinger. Lilly was like any other elementary school child- eager and excited to show off her new purple plastic purse and everything inside; Mr. Slinger portrays characteristics of a great teacher who enforces action and discipline when Lilly disobeys him and shows her new purse to the class after being told to wait until recess. Besides the main message of the story, I also liked that the story pushes the readers to broaden their perspectives such as what they want to be when they grow up and how they personally react to their own feelings. The main idea of this story is to follow directions, forgiveness and understanding.

[lizegarber · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse is a very sweet book. It is so so happy and a great demonstration of people learning to understand another's point of view. I think this could be used in a young classroom to teach manners, if the class is struggling with talking out of turn. On the other hand it can be used too look at finding out what we want to be when we grow up. The book shows kids that it is ok to want to be seven things at once, its actually a great thing! This book is funny, happy, and a whole lot of fun! Kids will love it!

[amulve2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In my opinion I think “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” is a good book, especially for young children. One reason I liked the book is because it has a good plot. In the beginning of the book Lilly really likes her teacher. In the middle of the story Lilly gets a new purse that plays music and she wants to show it off to the class. “Look, everyone. Look what I've got! Everyone looked. Including Mr. Slinger. He was not amused.” Everyone is displeased and Mr. Slinger takes her purse away. Lilly then did not like her teacher, and writes a bad note about him. At the end of the day she gets her purse back and Mr. Slinger wrote her a nice note. Lilly feels bad so she apologizes and they end up getting along again. Another aspect I like about this book is that it pushes the readers to think about issues. This book shows the difference between right and wrong. “Wait until recess of sharing time. But Lilly could not wait.” It allows students to understand what happens when directions are not followed. Overall the big idea of the story is to follow directions and do what you are told.

[lbblackwell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger. She also loves her new purse, but when it becomes a distraction, Mr. Slinger takes it away enraging Lilly. Will Lilly be able to overcome her anger and make amends with her once-favorite teacher?Lilly is back in this adorable book about revenge and remorse. With it's cute story line and precious pictures, the book is sure to please!

[kradish-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lilly loves her teacher and her fabulous new purse, but when she brings her purse to school, she is nothing but distracted and distracting. After having her purse gently taken away, can she find a way to overcome her anger to repair her relationship with her teacher?

[bblender-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse is the story of young Lilly who has just gotten a new plastic purse that plays music when it is opened. Along with the purse, Lilly has new sunglasses and three shiny quarters to put inside of the purse. Lilly loved school and was so excited to show her friends teacher her new things, but her teacher, Mr. Slinger didn't feel the same way. Lilly's new things were a distraction to her, him and the other students, so Mr. Slinger had to take Lilly's things away from her. This did not make Lilly happy and she hated Mr. Slinger after that and created a mean drawing of him, in which Lilly put in his bag before she left school that day. When Lilly returns home, with her new things, she finds a nice encouraging note from her teacher and Lilly feels awful about what she had done. This story shows forgiveness and understanding, as well as how to handle new toys, especially when in school.

[esiera1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There are several reasons I like "Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse." First, the characters were believable and well-developed. Lilly was just like any other elementary school student. Children would be able to relate to her emotions. Second, the illustrations enhanced the story. I loved how there were multiple pictures to a page, and how some of the writing was used within the illustrations. Finally, even though the plot was clear for young students it pushes readers to broaden their perspectives. Children could think about what they want to be when they grow up, and think about how they react to their own feelings. For example, “She thought and she thought and she thought some more. And then she became angry.” I think the big idea of this story is about understanding your feelings, compassion and forgiveness.

[imandayeh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse is one of my favorite Henkes books. This story is about Lilly who absolutely loves her teacher, Mr.Slinger. Over the weekend her grandma buys her a purple plastic purse that she wants to share with the class. Not abiding by the rules Mr.Slinger confiscates it and she makes some decisions she immediately regrets. This book is adorable. The message is very valuable for children to know their impulsive actions have consequences.

[kharri34 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There are several reasons that I liked this book. Firstly, I liked the plot of the story because it expressed a feeling that many people understand: guilt. When Lilly left her teacher a note saying mean things about him, she immediately felt guilty about, but she did not give up. She made sure to make it up to him the next by writing him a new note and making him treats. This is an interesting idea for the plot that I truly enjoyed because I thought it was relatable. Secondly, I liked the writing of the book because it used repetition to express related feelings. For example, many characters in the book said, “Wow, that’s about all I can say- Wow!” in order to portray their awe. I think that this made the book fun to read because I began to predict when they would say those words. The big message of this book is that sometimes we will say things we regret, but the important thing is the way we choose to handle it in the aftermath.

[sradin2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really liked this book for a couple reasons. First, I really liked the illustrations in this book because I felt that they were very fitting to the story. The illustrations helped the readers visualize the different emotions that Lily felt while she was both angry and happy about the school. The illustrations also allowed the readers to see what the letters that Lily wrote looked like. Additionally, I really liked the characters that were in this book and found them to be very well developed and relatable. I was able to relate with Lily because when I was younger I would also create my own classroom in my house because I knew I also wanted to be a teacher. I believe that the main message of this story is to teach children that they can’t get mad and angry whenever they don’t get their way.

[rrossi1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is about a mouse named Lilly who loved school and her teacher. She brought a musical purse to school, and it turns out to be a distraction, so Lilly's teacher Mr. Slinger takes it away for the day. Before this, Lilly loved her teacher and wanted to be just like him. After the incident, Lilly tells Mr. Slinger that she no longer wants to be a teacher. All is forgiven in the end. The book teaches a lesson about consequences and making bad judgments. Mr. Slinger didn't become angry with Lilly for behaving the way she did. Instead, he told her that tomorrow would be a better day, and it was. This book also shows a lovely role model for a teacher.

[bexter1-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a book that I really enjoyed having read. The message of owning up for your mistakes and being responsible. The book contains a lot of repeated phrases, including "'Wow,' said Lilly. That was about all she could say. 'Wow.'" that help drive home the wonder of childhood. There is also a very sing-song like text that parallels this idea of a child admiring her new teacher. The most important element, in my opinion, is the illustrations. By being able to see Lilly's creations, as well as her new belongings she so desperately wanted to show off, the reader can understand what is going on in her head and the emotions she feels at the time. It's a wonderful book and I hope to read it more often with others.

[katieflu628 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" is a story that portrays the importance of keeping a positive attitude, for tomorrow will be a better day. When Lilly is excited about showing the class her new purple purse, she has to understand to wait for the appropriate time. This story is great for students who are eager for school! The illustrations are very detailed and enjoyable as well.

[dukefan86 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was just the book to make me smile at the end of the work day! Cute story about Lilly, who's pleased as punch about her purple purse. After trying to show off at school, she learns that timing and patience have their rewards.

[mmarcel2011 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lilly was so excited about her purse and wanted to show everyone at school. Her teacher was very polite when asking her multiple times to stop interrupting class and showing everyone her purse. When she did it the final time, her teacher decided to take it till the end of the day. Lilly was furious and left a mean note in her teachers bag. But what she didn't realize is that he left her a nice note also in her purple purse for her to read when she got her purse back. Lilly felt terrible so the next day gave her teacher cookies and explained how bad she felt. Lilly asked her teacher to just forget about it, and being the nice and patient teacher he was, he agreeed.

[ashoemak · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lily just loves her teacher. She loves him so much that she wants to grow up and be a teacher just like him. Lily also loves her new sunglasses, shiny quarters and purple plastic purse that plays music. She takes all of her new treasures to school eager to show them to her friends. When she can't wait until share time to display her items, Lily disobeys her teacher and disrupts class to reveal her new items. When her teacher takes her toys away for the rest of the day, Lily has to deal with her feelings of sadness and anger towards her teacher. She is so hurt, she believes she was wrong about him, he is not a nice teacher at all. Through a series of events, Lily comes to realize that her teacher is not a mean man and gets past her anger to see that she was wrong and tries to make things right. A strong story that shows how important the bond between teacher and student really is.

[awoodham93 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book really touched me as a future teacher. Lilly's teacher made such a huge impact in her life; Lilly even wanted to be a teacher! Lilly's teacher was always patient and kind to her, he was able to teach her a lesson without scolding her or raising his voice. This is a great book for all teachers to read! This book is also fantastic for teaching kids to not interrupt, and to not act impulsively when they are upset. Lilly is able to get over her crisis and continues to love her teacher.

[arieldean · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is a good book for children because it teaches different lessons. Lilly loved her teacher and wanted to be just like him. She admired him because he was really nice. When Lilly received a new purse that plays music, sunglasses and 3 quarters, she wanted to show it off to the class. Mr. Slinger kept telling her to have patience then he took it away because she kept interrupting the class. She was furious and wrote a nasty note to him but when she received her things back he wrote a nice note to her. She felt bad and they made up at the end.Mr. Slinger was a patient when Lilly kept interrupting him. He did not get upset with her or yell. When he wrote her a note, he was making her use her reading skills to be able to read it by herself. Also, when he asked Lilly what should they do about her mean letter, this was making her have self awareness of what she did and made her think of a solution. Mr. Slinger was a good teacher.

[bereneezypie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lilly wants to be a teacher, a surgeon, an amublance driver, a diva, and a scuba diver. But what Lilly REALLY wants is to show off her new purse and glasses to her class. After being told to wait by her way cool teacher, Mr. Slinger, she bursts and interupts the class. As a result, Mr. Slinger confiscates her beloved purse, glasses, and quarters for the day causing Lilly to illustrate her anger towards Mr. Slinger and slip it in his bag. Onceher property is returned to her, she finds a lovely note and snacks from Mr. Slinger in her purse. Needless to say, she feels awful. She goes Ghandi in her uncooperative chair, declaring that she will spend forever in it. She returns to class the next day with yet another picture and snacks to deliver to an understanding Mr. Slinger and together they decide to throw her note away. The story itself is a great story for aspiring teachers who will inevitably face uncooperative students and want to keep their cool like Mr. Slinger.

[rgraf1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A really good book about school kids showing how much influence teachers have got on their pupils. Lilly is a little girl (actually a mouse) who loves her teacher, until one day when he takes away her new stuff she got from her grandmother because she can't wait until the sharing time to present them. She gets very angry about that and draws a mad picture of her teacher. When she is at home she finds a note of her teacher in her bagpack which says: This was a difficult day, tomorrow will be better.