Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, and Me
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, ILCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.