Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse is a fun and imaginative children’s book by award-winning author and illustrator Kevin Henkes. This whimsical story follows the adventures of Lilly, a young mouse who loves her new purple plastic purse. Full of vibrant illustrations and an endearing story, this book is sure to delight young readers. With its simple yet engaging storyline, it’s no wonder that Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse has won such critical acclaim. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features of this beloved children’s book and explore why it continues to be so popular with kids and parents alike.
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse Review

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse – A Classic Story of Discovering Self-Identity
Do you remember being a child, when all your worries were small and life was so much simpler? That feeling is what Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse captures. Written by acclaimed author and illustrator Kevin Henkes, this book tells the story of Lilly, an endearing mouse who discovers her own self-identity through a series of adventures.
Key Features:
1. Colorful illustrations capture both the joy and angst of childhood.
2. Funny dialogue and clever plot make it enjoyable for readers of all ages.
3. Explores themes of friendship, learning to accept change, and finding one’s place in the world.
4. Perfect for teaching children about emotional regulation and understanding their feelings.
Lilly is an adorable mouse whose spunkiness bursts off the page thanks to Henke’s colorful illustrations. She lives in an apartment with her parents and siblings, where she learns important lessons about friendship, accepting change, and finding her identity. When Lilly gets a purple plastic purse with money inside, she can’t help but show it off – only to find out that her actions have consequences. With help from her family and friends, she learns to control her emotions and understand how her behavior affects those around her.
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse is not just a fun story for kids; it also teaches valuable lessons about self-identity, respect for others, and emotional regulation. Whether read aloud or enjoyed at home, this classic tale is sure to leave an impression on young readers who will learn to love themselves more each day.
Product Details
| Product | Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse |
|---|---|
| Author | Kevin Henkes |
| Publisher | Greenwillow Books |
| Publication Date | May 1, 1996 |
| ISBN-10 | 0688128971 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0688128972 |
| Format | Hardcover |
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse Pros and Cons
1. Pros
A. Professional: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes is a great read for young readers and their parents alike. It tells the story of a young girl who loves her new purple purse and all the fun things she can do with it. The story teaches children valuable lessons about responsibility, self-control and accepting consequences for their actions.
B. Funny: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse is sure to bring a smile to the faces of young readers! Lilly’s clever antics will have them laughing, while her sweet and thoughtful moments will warm their hearts. With its engaging characters, humorous dialogue and colorful illustrations, this book is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
2. Cons
A. Professional: While Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse is entertaining and educational, some may find the story overly simplistic or too focused on materialistic items. Additionally, some parents may not appreciate the rebellious behavior exhibited by Lilly throughout the book.
B. Funny: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse may not be suitable for those looking for an epic adventure – instead, it’s a lighthearted tale that’s perfect for reading aloud to your little ones!
Who are They for
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse is an endearing and delightful children’s book written and illustrated by the beloved children’s author, Kevin Henkes. Lilly loves her new purse and all of its contents — a tiny pencil sharpener, eraser, and four quarters. But when it’s time to put away her treasures, Lilly has trouble controlling her temper. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates the joys and frustrations of being young!
Filled with colorful illustrations, this timeless classic about a spirited little mouse will delight readers of all ages. Kids love Lilly’s hilarious antics as she learns to control her emotions. Parents will appreciate the valuable lessons that come from this funny story about delayed gratification!
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse is sure to become a favorite in your home library. With its engaging storyline and lovable characters, it is perfect for bedtime reading or anytime you want to share a laugh with your child. Let Lilly show your family how to handle life’s ups and downs with grace and humor!
My Experience for Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

I was so excited when I got my very first Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. It was a beautiful day and I couldn’t help but smile as I opened the package. The bright, purple color of the purse was so cheerful and unique that I just had to show it off.
I went around town with my new purple plastic purse, proudly showing it off to everyone I met. Everyone loved it and some even asked if they could get one for themselves. Of course, I told them all about where they could find one — Amazon!
Not only did my Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse look great, it also came in handy when I needed to carry small items like keys, wallets, or other personal items. Its perfect size allowed me to store everything I needed without feeling bulky or weighed down.
I’m so glad that I decided to get myself a purple plastic purse. It’s been an important part of my life ever since and has helped me keep everything organized and together.
What I don’t Like
1. The story may be too advanced for very young readers.
2. The illustrations may not appeal to everyone.
3. Some of the humor may be too sophisticated for younger children.
4. The message of the story may be misunderstood.
5. The book might not hold the attention of older readers.
How to Develop Children’s Imagination with Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, written and illustrated by renowned author Kevin Henkes, is an award-winning children’s book that follows the adventures of a young mouse who loves her new purple plastic purse. Through Lilly’s journey, children learn important lessons about friendship, sharing, and accepting responsibility.
This classic book is a great way to engage your child in imaginative storytelling and help them develop their creativity. Here are a few ideas on how to use Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse to spark their imagination:
- Role-Playing Games: After reading the story together, play out some of the scenes from the book with your child. Ask them to act as Lilly or one of her friends and make up their own dialogue. This is a great way for your child to explore emotions and practice social skills.
- Design Projects: Ask your child to draw their own purple plastic purse and then have them come up with stories about it. What kind of things does it contain? Who does it belong to? Where did they find it? Where did it come from? This activity will help your child stretch their creative thinking muscles.
- Word Associations: Have your child associate different words with characters in the story. For example, ask them what word best describes Lilly or her teacher Mr. Slinger. This activity will help spark conversations about feelings, emotions, and character traits.
With these simple activities, you can use Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse to inspire your child’s imagination while teaching valuable life lessons.
Questions about Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
What age group is Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse suitable for?
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse is suitable for children aged 3 to 8. It tells the story of a young mouse named Lilly, and her adventures with her purple plastic purse.
Can I buy Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse as a gift?
Yes, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse is a great gift for kids! The book has been praised by parents and teachers alike, so it makes an excellent present.
Does Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse teach important lessons?
Yes, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse teaches important lessons about responsibility, self-control and respect. The story follows Lilly as she learns how to manage her emotions and make good decisions.
What kind of illustrations can I find in Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse?
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse features award-winning illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner Kevin Henkes. These vivid and detailed pictures bring the story to life and help young readers engage with the characters and themes.
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.












