Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

My Name Is Elizabeth!

My Name Is Elizabeth!

Annika Dunklee
Illustrator:  Matthew Forsythe 
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Kids Can Press, 2011   ISBN: 978-1554535606

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.