Names are more than just words; they are a fundamental part of our identity, culture, and heritage.
It's important to instill in children the value of names, the significance of pronouncing them correctly, and the pride that comes with embracing one's own name. We've curated this list of six children's books that beautifully capture these themes. From heartwarming tales of friendship to inspiring stories of self-discovery, these books not only make for delightful reading but also impart invaluable life lessons.
Whether you're a caregiver seeking engaging read aloud stories or an educator aiming to foster a more inclusive classroom environment, these diverse children's books are sure to become cherished additions to your collection. Let's explore understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the names that shape our lives.
For your convenience, we've included publisher's descriptions along with each book.
This endearing picture book from South Africa follows the story of a little girl who, with help from her grandmother, explores her identity and learns to appreciate her name.
"There was once a beautiful little girl with a heart as big as her name, Kantiga. But Kantiga did not like her name." Hearing this, her gogo tells her a family tale of the magical clay pot that seems to be useless because it is cracked and broken. We learn how this flaw makes it more than perfect.
Follow this beautiful tale, full of color and folklore, as Kantiga tries to find the perfect name and on the journey learns a bit more about who she is and where she is from.
New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho, of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, creates a meaningful and diverse picture book about how names define us.
Names reveal generational ties and histories, weaving an intricate tale of the past. Names--and correctly saying them--are important. Each one carries the hopes, dreams, and traditions of those who came before us.
Six children connect with the reader and proudly celebrate their names and backgrounds: Hé Xiao-Guang, Ofa Kivaha Tupoumalohi, Bijan Hosseini, Nizhoni Yazzie, Xóchitl Luna, and Akosua Acheampong. These captivating kids of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Navajo, Mexican, and Ghanaian descent also honor their ancestors and cultural histories.
Joanna Ho's lyrical story, with gorgeous illustrations by Khoa Le, explains how saying a person's name is the only way we can truly know another.
A sweet sibling story all about making family traditions your own--perfect for fans of Alma and How She Got Her Name and Welcome to the Party
Today's the day! It's Baby Sister's naming ceremony, and big sister Amira could not be more excited. She has the perfect name picked out . . . or, at least, she hopes it's the perfect name.
One by one, friends and family arrive. As Amira greets them, she asks what name they have brought to give to Baby Sister. Each is more beautiful than the last--Shakira, Akahana, Uhwe. And each has its own special meaning--thankful, red flower, moonlight. Amira knows that Baby Sister will love these names. But will she love the name Amira has chosen? Is it special enough?
A story about rich traditions and the unique bond between sisters, Naming Ceremony celebrates multigenerational family and Black joy.
Perfect for fans of Alma and How She Got Her Name and Your Name is a Song, this picture book encourages readers to take up space and support each other with respect and kindness
When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts at a new school, he knows he'll have to introduce himself to lots of new people. He trips over his long name and decides to shrink it down to the shorter, simpler Zim. The nickname works fine for introductions, but deep down, it doesn't feel right. It's not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step proudly into his long name.
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name is a warm and uplifting story that encourages young readers to celebrate their authentic selves, and proclaims that no one should ever have to shrink themselves to fit in.
My Name is an inspiring picture book that encourages kids to celebrate themselves and all the things that make them unique, especially their name.
Your name means you're different
Your name means you're you
When an Indian American boy starts school in a new classroom, one child can't pronounce his name properly, which leads to giggles amongst his classmates. Later at home, his parents remind him of how special he is -- and how his unique name reflects that.
With lush illustrations by Sandhya Prabhat, award-winning author Supriya Kelkar writes a stunning tribute to the word that identifies each of us the very most -- our name, reminding readers of the beauty in celebrating difference, taking pride in uniqueness, and helping others to do the same.
Little Antonio has a LOT of names. Different relatives call him different names, but the real culture shock happens when he goes to school for the first time.
When I was born, I kept my eyes squeezed shut so tightly that my mom called me Mr. Magoo from a cartoon she loved.
My dad said I was going to be bilingual, like him, so he called me El Señor Magoo.
A celebration of biracial heritage and cultural identity from award-winning Cuban American storyteller Antonio Sacre, My Name Is Cool teaches children to be proud of their heritage and the things that make them different. Different is COOL.
Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names.
Your Name is a Song includes back matter perfect for parents, educators, caregivers, and young readers who want to learn more about the names featured in the story. The "Glossary of Names" lists each name's meaning, origin, and pronunciation. Additionally, readers can use a listed link to access an online video of the author pronouncing all the names in the book.
A heartfelt and touching celebration of the names we're given, told through Zeshan Akhter's lyrical text and paired with Åsa Gilland's stunning illustrations.
When I met Daddy and fitted in his hands, I didn't have a name. So Daddy and Mommy whispered one in my ear. My name is the first present I ever got. It came wrapped in Daddy and Mommy's love. On the day Sitara is born, she receives a very special gift from her parents--her name. As Sitara grows, some people tumble up her name in their mouths until it's not her name anymore. So Sitara learns about the history, tradition, and culture that went into choosing her name, giving her the confidence to help others say it right. This heartwarming story not only teaches us the significance of our names, but it also highlights that trying to say names correctly, or asking if you're unsure, goes a long way. The book also includes a spread for a child to fill in about their own name.
In this sweeping picture book, an Indian girl discovers the power of her name as she travels along the river she was named after.
What's so special about your name?
Kaveri Thanjavur Jayalakshmi Ganesan doesn't think there is anything special about her very long name--in fact, she would prefer to be called "Kav." But Paati reminds Kaveri that her name was inspired by her family's heritage, where she was born, and the powerful river they journey across for the Pushkaram Festival. Along the way, Kaveri's eyes and heart are opened to the beauty and magic her name holds.
Through Suma Subramaniam's lyrical and tender writing and Tara Anand's radiant illustrations, My Name Is Long as a River offers messages of cultural pride, self-confidence, and empowerment.
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