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Many Names for Eileen
Eileen doesn't really object to being called "Missy," "Princess," "Tiger," "Curlytop," and other nicknames, but she wonders why people can't just call her Eileen.
32 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 1969
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August 31, 2011
I had a copy of Peggy Sullivan's "Many Names for Eileen" when I was a small child, and it had a much stronger effect on me than I had realized. Upon re-encountering the book, I have become aware that it was surely responsible for the genesis of my life-long interest in onomastics (the study of proper names and their origins, meanings, and statistics) and by extension linguistics in general. Hence, it is at least partially responsible for an important part of my intellectual development.
The story explores a little girl's many names and nicknames and the various contexts by which she has acquired them. (For example, in addition to her given name, Eileen, she is called "Curly Top" by one loved one, etc.) As Eileen questions the people in her life as to why they call her things other than her given name, she learns more about herself and what she means to others.
It's a simple story, but it is very charming and meaningful, and the art is a delight. If you happen to come across a copy, I would recommend it for any young child - as a "read-to-me" book or for early readers - for its uncommon subject matter, thoughtful yet age-appropriate exploration of societal and familial roles, language, symbolism, and the ways in which viewpoints can be both mutable and relative.
The story explores a little girl's many names and nicknames and the various contexts by which she has acquired them. (For example, in addition to her given name, Eileen, she is called "Curly Top" by one loved one, etc.) As Eileen questions the people in her life as to why they call her things other than her given name, she learns more about herself and what she means to others.
It's a simple story, but it is very charming and meaningful, and the art is a delight. If you happen to come across a copy, I would recommend it for any young child - as a "read-to-me" book or for early readers - for its uncommon subject matter, thoughtful yet age-appropriate exploration of societal and familial roles, language, symbolism, and the ways in which viewpoints can be both mutable and relative.
Displaying 1 of 1 review