Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, and Me [Hardcover]

Cathy Rubin (Author), Christopher Fowler (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2003 | Grade Level: 0 and up

Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake and Me

Everyone in Eleanor's family thinks they have the perfect nickname for her. Nana thinks "Eleanor" is boring and insists on calling her "Elle," her perfect "mademoiselle." Papa wants to call her "Punch," his favorite "crunch." Dad insists on naming her "Eleanora, the movie star with so much mora." Even Mom gets into the act, shortening her name until it's just one letter--E! Finally, Eleanor realizes that the only person who can come up with the perfect nickname is the one who is going to use it--herself! This endearing story, told in clever and humorous rhyme, offer a unique insight into how one spunky kid relies on her sense of self to solve her problem.

A clever story about identity and the power of names, as told by Eleanor, out spunkiest heroine.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-A girl whose name is Eleanor is called everything from Punch to Elbow Macaroni by the various members of her family, and she imagines, in turn, elaborate scenarios of the different future roles she would play if she assumed each name and persona. Finally, the nicknaming hits an all-time low ("We'll call you E. It's just so wee"), and the heroine takes charge of the situation, announcing what she would like to be called. It's a welcome resolution that reflects assertiveness any child would admire. The everyday sort of dilemma is one that listeners with or without nicknames will appreciate, and there's enough fun and bounce to make up for the rather message-y emphasis on identity. The utilitarian cartoon-style illustrations are reminiscent of those in beginning-reader series, using run-of-the-mill layouts that incorporate single pages and double-page spreads. The unexceptional execution won't stop kids from liking the red-haired protagonist or the concept; purchase this for kid appeal, not for quality.
Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

C.M. Rubin was born in South America and, as a child, lived in many different cities throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the United States. She began writing stories when she was very young. Since the successful publication of Eleanor, Elletony, Ellencake, and Me and its sequel, Ellie: The Perfect Dress for Me!, Ms. Rubin has been busy creating new books for children of all ages. C.M. Rubin lives with her husband, two children, and their dog in New York City.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Gingham Dog Press; First edition (August 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577684125
• ISBN-13: 978-1577684121
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #537,107 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

C. M. Rubin (aka Cathy Rubin www.cmrubin.com ) is a child and family health advocate an author of children's books, non-fiction books and a producer of factual films. Her books include: Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, and Me, and Ellie: The Perfect Dress For Me. Both books won numerous children's book awards, including: I Parenting Media Award, Family Fun Best Picture Book, Borders Original Voice Nominee, Book of the Week - Home News Tribune, Arizona Young Reader Nominee 2005, Pick of the Month - Bookviews, Children's Choice Award, Teacher's Choice Award, Bronze Gold Ink Award. C.M. Rubin's most recent book, The Real Alice in Wonderland -- A Role Model for the Ages, was co-authored with her daughter, Gabriella Rose Rubin. It is a comprehensive biography about the life of her relative Alice Pleasance Liddell, who was the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures In Wonderland (1865), and the sequel, Through the Looking Glass (1871). C. M. Rubin now lives in New York City and Fairfield CT. She was born in Georgetown, Guyana, and was educated in various parts of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. C.M. Rubin and her works have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines around the world including the New York Times, Parent Magazine, Vogue Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, US Magazine, the Hollywood Reporter and Family Magazine. In addition she has been a featured guest on national radio and television shows both in the US and the UK. She is also a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post - visit her blog at www.cmrubinworld.tumblr.com or her website at www.cmrubin.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, and Me, October 1, 2003

By 

George Heddleston (Hilliard, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, and Me (Hardcover)

If you have an endearing nickname or nicknames for your children, then Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, and Me is an expertly written and beautifully illustrated picture book for you to share with your children (preschool to age 8).

C.M. Rubin's outstanding new book is written in verse and tells the story of Eleanor, a child whose family loves her so much that they can't stop coming up with nicknames for her. Confused by such endearment, Eleanor decides she wants her own identity, and does not want to be known by the nicknames her parents and grandparents dream up for her.

This book is about child wonderment and how a mini-crisis over childhood identity can arise in any youngster. The story is not to be missed and makes a perfect gift for the holidays.

We have four children at our house, and they all are addressed more often by their nicknames than the first name on their birth certificates. I think that is true in most families. I also think this wonderful book will be one you will love and so will your young children.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can relate, November 20, 2003

By 

Molly Baker "N. Hubbard" (Davis, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, and Me (Hardcover)

This book reminds me of when I was a child and I'm sure other readers would have similar feelings. The author does a great job of showing a child's perspective when called different names even though "we adults" think it's cute. The names given aren't just words, though, they come with expectations that the adults in Eleanor's life have for her. The author uses humorous rhyme, which perhaps is "Ellie's" way of dealing with this issue until she resolves it in the end by "waking" up these adults and letting them know she is ONE person with ONE name--the name she herself has chosen. The illustrations are just gorgeous and seem to leap out as if Ellie is attempting to keep the readers focused and remind them how important her feelings are.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Children's Picture Book!, October 21, 2005

By 

Meredith "Wood" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, and Me (Hardcover)

I bought this book two years ago. I've bought many children's books in between. Few children's books become classics. This one absolutely will! Totally recommended for kids aged 4 - 10 and don't miss the sequel; Ellie, The Perfect Dress for Me!