Say my name by Joanna Ho. Illus. by Khoa Le

This stunning new picture book in which six children from diverse backgrounds present their names as a way of getting to know each other, will encourage children to think about their names and the names of those around them. The first name is He Xiao-Guang, and she tells us her name is full of tones and rhythms, and goes on to say her name is a building block that has been added to for centuries, a name telling of dynasties, meaning the first light of the morning in Cantonese. As with the other five children, information about their name is given in an introduction to the child, surrounded by exquisite illustrations giving more  information. At the end of the book are two pages of extra information showing where that child lives. So we learn that He Xiao-Guang lived in Hong Kong, and her father was originally from northern China. She speaks fluent Cantonese, and is looked after by her Ayah who has given her the name first light in the morning.

Xiao-Gaung tells her story with pride, in very few words she tells is of her ancestry, of her roots and her links to the generations before. The illustrations show us her links to Chinese culture through the  stunning dragon and beautiful head dress.

The five other children are Tongan, Persian, Navajo, Mexican and Ghanaian descent, and their names all have meaning reflecting where they have come from.

One is Bijan Houssani a boy whose name shows his link with Islam, as he carries the poetry of his ancestors, from the tenth century book of poetry,  Shahaneh. His name means hero and the illustrations show the angels that guide him and the beauty of the rugs that his family make. At the end of the book we learn of his connection to the 15% of Persians linked together by this epic poem.

Similarly the other children have information about their names, and the illustrations depict their links to family and culture. A stunning book which impels readers to think about their own name and what it means, along with the diverse children around them. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Names, Culture, Background, Generation.

Fran Knight