#BOOKREVIEW #29
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK REVIEW AS A WRITER AND A READER
Title: Your Name Is A Song
Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrator: Luisa Uribe
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Target Reader: 6 years and above
Teaching is a dynamic and deeply responsive profession. Every day, teachers navigate the unique challenges children bring into the classroom. Plans shift within seconds, activities are adjusted on the spot, and educators constantly read the mood of the room to respond effectively. Among these daily challenges is something that may seem small to some—but is profound to every child: their name.
In Your Name Is a Song, the author is sensitive enough in addressing the common classroom experience of mispronouncing a child’s name. Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, a teacher-writer, presents an insightful solution to this delicate issue. A name is not just a word; it is a child’s identity. When a teacher repeatedly mispronounces a name, even without any ill intentions, it can cause embarrassment and discomfort to the child. The situation becomes more painful when classmates turn it into a source of teasing or distorted nicknames.
In my own experience teaching in an international school, I encounter students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Some names are unfamiliar or challenging to pronounce at first. While some families choose an additional “easier” name for convenience, it raises an important question: should children have to simplify their identities for others? The responsibility lies with educators to learn and respect the names given to their students.
The beauty of this book lies in its solution. By encouraging children to sing their names, the story transforms what might feel like a difficulty into a celebration. Music has the power to unite. Even when we do not understand the language, we can hum the melody and connect through rhythm and sound. Through this creative approach, the author offers teachers and students a joyful way to honour individuality and cultural heritage. It also provides parents with a practical tool to help others learn the correct pronunciation, especially when unfamiliarity or cultural differences create hesitation.
In the book, the author presents examples of names from Asian and Middle Eastern countries, where mispronunciation is a common issue. At the end of the book, the author provides a glossary of names with the pronunciation breakdowns, and their origin country to help the parents read this book with children.
The book supports children whose name are often mis-pronounced, plus it targets the kids who may not realize the pain they might cause among children whose names are tough to call. It’s building empathy for the kids who should not feel secluded just because their names are difficult to pronounce.
Your Name Is a Song is more than a picture book. It is a reminder that respect begins with something as fundamental as saying a correct name. In doing so, we affirm a child’s identity, dignity, and sense of belonging.
I am an author, teacher, and holistic wellness coach with a deep passion for children’s growth and self-worth. Reviewing children’s books inspired me to write my own picture book, Stand Up for Yourself: Brando Tells Dory.
The story reflects my belief that every child deserves acceptance—not only from others but also from within. Through Dory’s journey of finding her voice and Brando’s support, young readers learn that standing up for themselves and asking for help are powerful acts of self-respect.
At its heart, my work reminds children—and adults alike—that every voice matters, and every child has the right to say, “I matter.”
Click here to get a copy for your child
About A New You:
We all deserve to have everything in our life exactly the way we want it.The first step begins with believing that every moment is bringing an opportunity to be a new you. As a founder, I provide tools to elevate all dimensions of your life and I teach you the art of writing to reach to your true potential.
Vandana Sehgal | Founder – A New You
