My Name is a Gift
A heartfelt celebration of the names we're given
Published on 15. August 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
32 pages
978-1-80078-229-7 (ISBN)
Description
INCLUDED IN EMPATHY LAB'S 'READ FOR EMPATHY COLLECTION' 2025.
AS SEEN ON MILKSHAKE'S STORY DEN IN MARCH 2025!
LONGLISTED FOR THE DIVERSE BOOK AWARDS 2025!
A heartfelt and touching celebration of the names we're given, told through Zeshan Akhter's lyrical text and paired with Asa Gilland's stunning illustrations.
When I met Daddy and fitted in his hands, I didn't have a name.
So Daddy and Mummy whispered one in my ear.
My name is the first present I ever got.
It came wrapped in Daddy and Mummy'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 any more. 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. Perfect to share with both an individual child or to read aloud with a group who are fans of The Proudest Blue, Every House on Every Street and Julian is a Mermaid.
AS SEEN ON MILKSHAKE'S STORY DEN IN MARCH 2025!
LONGLISTED FOR THE DIVERSE BOOK AWARDS 2025!
A heartfelt and touching celebration of the names we're given, told through Zeshan Akhter's lyrical text and paired with Asa Gilland's stunning illustrations.
When I met Daddy and fitted in his hands, I didn't have a name.
So Daddy and Mummy whispered one in my ear.
My name is the first present I ever got.
It came wrapped in Daddy and Mummy'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 any more. 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. Perfect to share with both an individual child or to read aloud with a group who are fans of The Proudest Blue, Every House on Every Street and Julian is a Mermaid.
Reviews / Votes
This touching and warm picture book is a lovely celebration of family as well as Muslim family traditions of fathers gifting their children a name. It also makes a gentle point of the importance of - and politeness attached to - getting someone's name right, with a sweet little activity page at the end where the owner of the book can record their own name, what it means and who gave it to them. * BookTrust, Book of the Day * A sensitive topic gently explored, the subject matter is delicately balanced by the bright illustrations. * Children's Books Ireland * This heartwarming story felt like a present in itself * Check 'Em Out Books * A beautiful story celebrating the uniqueness of each person's name * Scope for Imagination * This is an achingly beautiful story, filled with gentle, soft illustrations, which teaches children and adults the importance of saying names correctly. * Mini Travellers *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: Up to 5 years
Dimensions
Height: 264 mm
Width: 231 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
175 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80078-229-7 (9781800782297)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Zeshan Akhter (Author)
Zeshan writes uplifting stories about challenges that children experience. Her writing also reflects her love of the natural world. Zeshan studied zoology and has worked in nature conservation for twenty-one years. She lives in Glasgow.
Asa Gilland (Illustrator)
Asa Gilland is a Swedish illustrator who lives in Jakarta, Indonesia with her family and two cats in a little house beneath a gigantic bougainvillea tree. She works in a combination of traditional and digital media, drawing her inspiration from the mixture of cultures in the world around her. Her children's book characters reflect the rich diversity of her own lived experience.
Zeshan writes uplifting stories about challenges that children experience. Her writing also reflects her love of the natural world. Zeshan studied zoology and has worked in nature conservation for twenty-one years. She lives in Glasgow.
Asa Gilland (Illustrator)
Asa Gilland is a Swedish illustrator who lives in Jakarta, Indonesia with her family and two cats in a little house beneath a gigantic bougainvillea tree. She works in a combination of traditional and digital media, drawing her inspiration from the mixture of cultures in the world around her. Her children's book characters reflect the rich diversity of her own lived experience.