"A name is a question,
Dara?
a warning,
JAMES.
a taunt.
Messy Jesse!
A name has the power
to worry, to haunt.
Dracula?"
Was there ever a time when you wanted to change your name? Does that happen to all of us? This engaging book helps young readers see just how important names are. They are meaningful, and are given for a wide variety of reasons. They may be handed down from generation to generation, or chosen as a celebration for the season, birthplace, or in homage to someone greatly admired. Some parents go to great lengths to find unique and meaningful names for their children.
Each spread is filled with scenes created in 'traditional printmaking methods and assembled digitally'. They invite close observation of numerous scenarios that effectively explore a community of diverse characters who show that names have many purposes, values, meanings, and histories. The speech bubbles are a perfect way to invite exploration.
"I'm Cherimoya,
like the fruit.
But you can
call me Cherry!
You're the
only Cherimoya
I know!
I'm Bob."
What happens if the name doesn't fit? Does a child grow into it? Can it be changed? Sometimes a nickname takes on new meaning, making it seem more fitting. There is constant encouragement to take a close look at given names. The energetic rhyming text offers the chance to stop and consider just exactly what listeners are thinking as the book is shared.
A just-right final question assures a happy response!
I love the use of red for every single name. What fun for attentive readers to take the time to look carefully for their own, or someone they know. Endpapers explore the variety in given names, and provide an idea for creating a name splash in classrooms and at home.
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