Mommy Doesn't Know My Name [Paperback]

Suzanne Williams (Author), Andrew Shachat (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

This loving and humorous story depicts frustrated Hannah, who tries to get her mother to call her by her real name rather than the pet names she uses.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Williams's first book for children, wide-eyed Hannah is convinced that her mother doesn't know her own daughter's name, since she seems to call her every possible appellation except Hannah. When Mommy wakes Hannah in the morning, she asks: "Is that my little chickadee?" Hannah, envisioning herself with a bird's beak, insists, "I'm not a chickadee. I'm Hannah." As the day progresses, Mommy employs an assortment of pet names, and each time a distraught-looking Hannah corrects her. Throughout, Shachat's somewhat childlike acrylic paintings depict the girl in the guise of the objects or creatures cited--pumpkin, devil, alligator, monster, monkey and mouse. Children may be a bit unsettled by the book's title, and their discomfort will only be increased by the fact that Hannah is clearly not amused by her mother's attempts to be affectionate. At bedtime, of course, mother assures daughter that she is well aware that Hannah is her "very own happy little, funny little girl." Ages 2-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Mommy is always lovingly comparing her Hannah to various animals. During a silly dance, it's " 'You funny monkey' "; or, maybe " 'See you later, alligator,' " or, at bedtime " 'Be a quiet little mouse.' " Each time, the little girl imagines herself as that animal. Then, with pride and firmness, she announces, " 'I'm not a mouse. I'm Hannah!' " Text and illustrations resonate with the strength of preschoolers' needs to understand and assert their own identities. A lovely resolution is provided on the final page: with the warmest hug, Mommy confirms, " 'Yes, I know. You're Hannah. My very own happy little, funny little girl.' " The pastel illustrations take Williams' idea, give it form, and then magnify it several decibels. Shachat's style, that adults may recognize from Psychology Today and New York Times Book Review , is offbeat--definitely kooky, but not too strange for children's comfort. It's the weirdness of the art, making anything possible in it, that will transform the words to meaning for many young readers. And this is accomplished with the kind of flair that leaves listeners feeling that something special's happened to them. It's a fun, crazy book that works extremely well. --Liza Bliss, Worcester Public Library, MA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (March 3, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395779790
• ISBN-13: 978-0395779798
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #692,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Suzanne Williams is the award-winning author of over 30 books for children, from picture books and easy readers to chapter books and middle grade fiction series. A former elementary school librarian, she lives in Renton,Washington (near Seattle). Her picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg) won the New Mexico children's choice award in 2000 and was on several other state award lists. Her most recent series are Princess Power (ages 8 - 12), Fairy Blossoms (ages 7 - 10), and Goddess Girls (ages 9 - 12, with co-author Joan Holub.) You can visit her at her website: www.suzanne-williams.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book for Hannah's, March 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Mommy Doesn't Know My Name (Paperback)

It's always fun for a child to have a book with their name init. My daughter... loved this book and brought it to school wheneverthere was a special reading event. It's silly and funny and touching. It's on our list of gift books, especially for new-born Hannah's! END

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Book, October 9, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Mommy Doesn't Know My Name (Paperback)

This is a delightful book to read to your child. Every child who has been called affectionate names will related to Hannah, who wonders if her mommy really does know her name. The ending is sweet and will give you a your child a delightful moment to share your own cuddles and hugs as you affirm that indeed you do know your child's name. When I read the book to my daughter I replace Hannah's name with hers. Now she says her name at the appropriate times. This is our favorite book to read together.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We all do this!, January 6, 2002

By 

M. Kehn - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mommy Doesn't Know My Name (Paperback)

Parents will see themselves in this cute book about a little girl whose mother calls her everything BUT her name. I think any child who has heard "see you later, alligator" or similar expressions, can relate to Hannah. It is an easy read, and would be good for young children (2-7). It is funny when read with lots of expression and will keep your child laughing.