The following are some ideas to use with a specific Kevin Henkes' book.
  Jessica *Before reading make a web with the word friendship. List all the qualities that make a good friend. *Write an acrostic poem for friend. Before writing make a chart with the word "friend" written so that each letter has its own column. List everything that could go with each letter in friend. Leave the chart/list up for children to use as a reference. *Making Words-make all the words they can with the word friendship.
*An Imaginary Friend-Write about and illustrate and imaginary friend they might have.
*Write a letter to Ruthie telling her the best things about having a friend.
*Share a Paintbrush Picture-Have partner teams take turns to create a picture using watercolors.

Wemberly Worried *Stuffed Animal Day-Each child brings in a favorite stuffed animal for the day. Have a few extras just in case someone forgets theirs or does not have one to share. Write about why their stuffed animal is special.
*Finish the prompt "When I'm worried I..." Place these on a "Worry Not" bulletin board.
*Write a letter to Wemberly telling them the best things about school.

Lily's Purple Plastic Purse
Write a letter to Lily telling her what she should do if she brings something to class to share. Give her advice about why it isn't a good idea to disturb the class. These can be written and posted on purple cutouts that resemble a purse.
Lily's Purple Purse Here is an additional 5 lesson unit using this book.
Activities, puzzles & mazes for Lily

Chrysanthemum
The Power of Word:
Make a list of statements that makes us "bloom" or "wilt." These are statements that either make us feel great or make us feel bad. Set up a bulletin board with 2 sides. One side says "I wilt when someone tells me this." And the other side says, "I bloom when someone tells me this!" Place the list of statements under the appropriate heading. The statement could be written on strips of paper. The strips are then placed in a box. Each child or partners pick one of the statements, and add an illustration.

Watch us Bloom!
Each child is given a flower pattern. They draw their face in the center circle. On the petals they write positive statements about themselves.

It's in the Name
Use the letters in her name, Chrysanthemum, to make other names or words. This can be placed at a "making words" center.

Story Strips
Each child will need six, blank index cards. Any size works and lined cards work fine. On each of the cards they write/illustrate one of the following: Title, Characters, Plot, Setting, Problem & Solution. These are then assembled into a vertically, or horizontally connected strip to create a story chart.

Chester's Way
On a second reading, make a list or character web for each character recording the things that they like. Use the list or webs to compare the characters.

Friendship Creatures
Chester, Wilson and Lily worked together to create an imaginary creature. Instruct teams of 3-4 children to work together to make an imaginary creature of their own.

Encourage children to draw pictures of themselves and a friend. They tell the ways they and their friend are alike and different.

Write a letter to Chester and Wilson telling them why they should make friends with Lilly.

As a class, make a list of activities that would make a new student to the classroom feel welcome.

Disguises
Lily gave Chester and Wilson disguises to wear. Allow students to make disguises of their own using a variety of materials, craft items and clothing. Take pictures of small groups. Put up on a bulletin board and see if people can determine who is wearing which disguise.

Enjoy Lilly's favorite snack:
1. Place a slice of bread or toast on a plate.
2. Mix together some jam and peanut butter, and spread them on the bread.
3. Add Cheerios?for a cheerful smile, strawberries (or whatever is in season) for eyes, and orange slices for nose and ears. You have a happy face smiling back at you.

Friendship Mobiles:
1. Using a coat hanger, place a folded sheet of construction paper on it with the word "Friendship" written on it.
2. Make four circles out of different colors of construction paper.
3. On each circle, draw/write a quality of friendship.
4. Using a hole punch and string, attach the circles to the coat hanger.