Julia Donaldson's Book of Names: A Magical Rhyming Celebration of Children, Imagination, Stories... And Names!
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In this enchanting book, Julia Donaldson uses her unique storytelling style to create a narrative that intertwines the magic of names with the wonder of adventures. Children can discover tales that link to their own names, fostering a personal connection to the story and stimulating their imagination. Julia Donaldson celebrates her readers in this delightful and imaginative picture book, inspired by the children she has met at hundreds of book signings over the years.
Age
3-7
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the different names in the book made each character special?
What was your favorite part of the magical world created by the names, and why?
If you could choose a magical name for yourself, what would it be and what powers would it give you?
How do you feel when you hear or see your own name in stories or books?
Can you think of a story you would like to create using your name as a magical element?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, emphasizing that all opinions are valid.
Use the discussion to explore the uniqueness of your child’s own name, including any stories or meanings behind it.
Create a playful atmosphere by imagining together what kind of magical world their name might create, just like in the book.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life instances where your child’s name has played a role, enhancing personal connections to the book’s messages.
Prompt creative thinking by asking your child to invent a short story or scenario involving magical names, promoting the use of imagination as seen in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of individuality
Explanation: The book highlights the uniqueness of each child's name, emphasizing personal identity and self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the uniqueness of their names and explore the stories behind them, fostering a sense of individuality and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Julia Donaldson weaves magical narratives around children's names, encouraging imaginative thinking and creative storytelling.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to create their own stories or play imaginative games based on their names and the names of their friends, enhancing their creative skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating diversity
Explanation: Through exploring a variety of names from different cultures and origins, the book teaches respect and appreciation for diversity.
Real-World Application: This can help children embrace multiculturalism in their own communities, leading to more inclusive behavior and social understanding.
Example Lesson: The joy of reading
Explanation: The rhyming and playful language used by Julia Donaldson encourages a love of reading and linguistic exploration.
Real-World Application: Children can develop a lifelong passion for reading, improving their literacy skills and academic performance.
Example Lesson: The power of stories
Explanation: The book demonstrates how stories can be built around simple concepts, like names, showcasing the power and impact of storytelling.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to tell their own stories, enhancing their communication skills and emotional intelligence.