Picture Book Monday - A review of My Name is Elizabeth

Welcome to the first Picture Book Monday of 2012. I will be posting a review of a picture book here every Monday all year long, and I can't wait to see what kinds of treasures I find to share with you.

It is not easy having a name that so many people don't know how to pronounce, and I am often ridiculously pleased when a stranger gets my name right the first time around. Sometimes people mispronounce my name again and again until I give up correcting them because it is easier to just let it go.

Having name problems of my own, I really appreciate how the main character in this book feels. I also like the fact that she stands up for herself, which is not an easy thing to do.

My Name is Elizabeth

Annika Dunklee

Illustrated by Matthew Forsythe

Picture Book

For ages 5 to 7

Kids Can Press, 2011, 978-1-55453-560-6

   Elizabeth is a little girl who likes her name. She likes the fact that her name has nine letters, and that “there is a queen named after me!” What Elizabeth does not like is when people call her something other than her proper name.

   Elizabeth is such a splendid name, and yet people persist in calling her “Lizzy,” or “Liz” or “Beth” or (shiver) “Betsy.” What is wrong with them?

   Elizabeth decides that enough is enough, and she puts her foot down. To one and all she announces that she is called “Elizabeth Alfreda Roxanne Carmelita Bluebell Jones,” though she is willing to compromise. “You may call me Elizabeth” she says. Will everyone honor Elizabeth’s wish, and will they call her by her proper name?

   Some people are very attached to their names and they don’t appreciate it when people give them nicknames without asking. Children will love the way the little girl in this story stands up for herself, and how she also shows that she is willing to make a concession for special people.

   With a loveable main character, and a clever ending, this is a wonderful picture book to share with a child who is proud of his or her name.