Oh, this book! My name only has 4 letters in it, but I still spent my childhood trying to teach people how to pronounce it, or wishing it was different. I love the lessons from this book:
- be brave
- practice + let people practice
- don't shrink yourself, say your name!
- Anje (an-ya)
“A lot of kids will connect with this book. The illustrations are beautiful and the message is heartwarming. Growing up with a long name — and I use a four-letter version of it — this made me question: who am I shrinking my name for?”
— Lupe Penn, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC
When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts at a new school, he knows he’ll have to introduce himself to lots of new people. He trips over his long name and decides to shrink it down to the shorter, simpler Zim. The nickname works fine for introductions, but deep down, it doesn’t feel right. It’s not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step proudly into his long name.
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name is a warm and uplifting story that encourages young readers to celebrate their authentic selves, and proclaims that no one should ever have to shrink themselves to fit in.
**STARRED REVIEW**
“With gentle compassion and tender wisdom, this Australian import portrays the challenges and joys of starting over in a new setting, juxtaposing fraught school days with the cozy warmth of evenings at home. Pereira’s block print style digital artwork brings Zimdalamashkermishkada’s name to vibrant life. When he begins to teach Elly his name, the unruly shapes begin to take the form of a bird, adding more detail with each syllable until it soars gloriously across a two-page spread in joyous, fiery tones when Elly says the whole thing. This sensitive book will make an excellent lead-in to age-appropriate discussions about difference and belonging.”
