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Golden Name Day #1
The Golden Name Day
While nine-year-old Nancy is staying with her adopted Swedish grandparents for a year, everyone tries to figure out how she can celebrate a name day since her name isn't Swedish.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1955
11 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
About the author
Jennie D. Lindquist
6 books20 followersJennie D. Lindquist was a children's book author, as well as an editor for The Horn Book from 1951-1958.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 24, 2021
I loved this book! It was such a delight to read; happiness exudes from each chapter! I never read this as a child, but I know I would have enjoyed it then too. This is definitely one that appeals to girls and the feminine side with its flowers, dolls, parties, animals, and of course, the name days.
There’s a sweetness to the characters and their actions that comes across as very genuine and caring. Nancy is welcomed into their home and community and all strive for a satisfying solution to her name day dilemma. I found the kindness, caring, and enthusiastic spirit that is shown to Nancy and others to be quite infectious. Each chapter left me in good spirits and with a smile on my face.
If you are looking for a cheerful read during these long days of winter, The Golden Name Day is sure to brighten your day. The fantastic illustrations by Garth Williams provide a charming impression of the Swedish traditions and turn-of-the-century living.
There’s a sweetness to the characters and their actions that comes across as very genuine and caring. Nancy is welcomed into their home and community and all strive for a satisfying solution to her name day dilemma. I found the kindness, caring, and enthusiastic spirit that is shown to Nancy and others to be quite infectious. Each chapter left me in good spirits and with a smile on my face.
If you are looking for a cheerful read during these long days of winter, The Golden Name Day is sure to brighten your day. The fantastic illustrations by Garth Williams provide a charming impression of the Swedish traditions and turn-of-the-century living.
January 5, 2013
When I read this book, I told the desk clerk in the Children's Room at the Albany Public Library how much I loved it. And I read another by Lindquist as well. Sometime later, when I was back in the library (one of my favorite places), Miss Miller said to be sure to stay around for a little bit and, not long afterward, she introduced me to Jennie Lindquist. Lindquist was the first person to tell me I could be a writer myself, if I really wanted to be. I was too much in awe (a "real" writer was talking to me!) to say much at the time but I never forgot it. That was in mid-to-late 1950s. About 4 decades later, I asked a friend who dealt in old books to find me a copy. I still own it. And I write (some of which has even been published!). One little book's big influence. (BTW, my friend - the one who found the used copy for me - also happened to buy a copy of The Golden Name Day for her granddaughter, after finding a copy for me!)
October 22, 2021
I must have only had a chance to read this a couple of times when I was young, because not a whole lot of the details stuck with me.
Enough of them do that I know this was one of the books that was a big influence on me: the Swedish Almanac with its list of a name for each day of the year, the yellow roses, the interesting names for the animals, May Day baskets, and just the overall joy and love that saturates every bit of the story. So much sunshine, and cheer; everything these folks do is a celebration of life and thankfulness.
And rereading it now gives me shivers of joy. I so want a copy of my own, but it's apparently scarce, unavailable at my favorite sellers. I'll keep looking, though.
In the meantime:
"Elsa had read a great many library books and so was able to use interesting phrases like "deep in conversation," when most people would simply have said "talking"."
Must look up the girls' favorite storybook, The Cuckoo Clock.
Two of the girls, not sisters, are somewhat synesthetic (though that word is not used). I don't remember that, but otoh, I wasn't surprised when I learned of the trait as an adult.
Here's a craft for a party: "Miss Lane had cut out a cardboard star and made many small holes in it so that buttercups could be stuck in to cover it entirely."
One of the other reasons I want the book is that there are lots of other ideas for crafts, recipes, and activities. I am going to photocopy the page with the pattern for the May Day basket... I'm tempted to photo the whole book if I can't find a copy to buy!
(This copy ILL from Western State College Library, Colorado.)
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Reread from univ. of MO Columbia for Newbery discussion:
Nancy has to be parted from her Mama, sick in the hospital, and her Papa, with a full-time job and nobody to cover for him, for a year, so she goes to live with Grandma and Grandpa and Karl the Twelfth and the other animals and the cousins down the road and the aunt & uncle on the farm. Sometimes her loneliness for her own parents overwhelms her, but all these lovely people know so much about friendship & joy, and have such zest for celebrating all of life's milestones, that only one funk lasts for more than a few hours. And that is resolved in such a delightful way that all of us, including Nancy and her readers, are glad she had that growing experience.
This was a childhood favorite, and also a Newbery Honor book. I'm sure the committee gave it the prize (at least in part) because a young reader can learn a lot about traditional Swedish culture, and learn that the immigrants love America even better than their homeland. I'm sure they also loved the wholesome values of family & community, or courage & compassion.
What I loved most when young were the details. A name day sounded like a great idea, and if I ever had a daughter I wanted to give her a Swedish name. And I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood where I could put May baskets on doorknobs. And yellow roses wallpaper, and a buttercup star, and a floral crown....
This time that I read it I made the connection to another of my very favorite books from childhood, The Secret Garden. It's not just the obvious of a girl who needs roses put in her cheeks and but in the joy of glory of the natural world and healing power of flowers, and hay, and kittens. (Come to think of it, there's a bit of a resemblance to Heidi here, too.)
The illustrations are typical Garth Williams: marvelous animals and clothing, furniture, etc, but a little difficulty with people's faces sometimes.
Enough of them do that I know this was one of the books that was a big influence on me: the Swedish Almanac with its list of a name for each day of the year, the yellow roses, the interesting names for the animals, May Day baskets, and just the overall joy and love that saturates every bit of the story. So much sunshine, and cheer; everything these folks do is a celebration of life and thankfulness.
And rereading it now gives me shivers of joy. I so want a copy of my own, but it's apparently scarce, unavailable at my favorite sellers. I'll keep looking, though.
In the meantime:
"Elsa had read a great many library books and so was able to use interesting phrases like "deep in conversation," when most people would simply have said "talking"."
Must look up the girls' favorite storybook, The Cuckoo Clock.
Two of the girls, not sisters, are somewhat synesthetic (though that word is not used). I don't remember that, but otoh, I wasn't surprised when I learned of the trait as an adult.
Here's a craft for a party: "Miss Lane had cut out a cardboard star and made many small holes in it so that buttercups could be stuck in to cover it entirely."
One of the other reasons I want the book is that there are lots of other ideas for crafts, recipes, and activities. I am going to photocopy the page with the pattern for the May Day basket... I'm tempted to photo the whole book if I can't find a copy to buy!
(This copy ILL from Western State College Library, Colorado.)
-------------
Reread from univ. of MO Columbia for Newbery discussion:
Nancy has to be parted from her Mama, sick in the hospital, and her Papa, with a full-time job and nobody to cover for him, for a year, so she goes to live with Grandma and Grandpa and Karl the Twelfth and the other animals and the cousins down the road and the aunt & uncle on the farm. Sometimes her loneliness for her own parents overwhelms her, but all these lovely people know so much about friendship & joy, and have such zest for celebrating all of life's milestones, that only one funk lasts for more than a few hours. And that is resolved in such a delightful way that all of us, including Nancy and her readers, are glad she had that growing experience.
This was a childhood favorite, and also a Newbery Honor book. I'm sure the committee gave it the prize (at least in part) because a young reader can learn a lot about traditional Swedish culture, and learn that the immigrants love America even better than their homeland. I'm sure they also loved the wholesome values of family & community, or courage & compassion.
What I loved most when young were the details. A name day sounded like a great idea, and if I ever had a daughter I wanted to give her a Swedish name. And I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood where I could put May baskets on doorknobs. And yellow roses wallpaper, and a buttercup star, and a floral crown....
This time that I read it I made the connection to another of my very favorite books from childhood, The Secret Garden. It's not just the obvious of a girl who needs roses put in her cheeks and but in the joy of glory of the natural world and healing power of flowers, and hay, and kittens. (Come to think of it, there's a bit of a resemblance to Heidi here, too.)
The illustrations are typical Garth Williams: marvelous animals and clothing, furniture, etc, but a little difficulty with people's faces sometimes.
Read
February 4, 2019How I love this book! I've read it many times. It's on my list of my 81 favorites works of children's and young-adult literature. I also love the two books that follow. Cozy, Swedish traditions, apple blossoms.
September 2, 2023
2023 - A childhood favorite reread. I remember so much, love so much, and find the Swedish parts so much more meaningful after visiting a Swedish museum last year. I still wonder at the lack of connection between Name Days and saint Commemoration, though. I'd forgotten that Nancy and one of her cousins had synthesia. Just as wonderful the 800th time as the first.
2013 - I read, re-read, and loved, this book growing up. I discovered it awhile ago in my keeper YA books, and thought it was time to revisit. It's just as delightful to read it as an adult, each page I turned, I found myself exclaiming, "I remember this part."
A wonderful snapshot of life at the turn of the 20th century, immigrant families, the joy of reading, the beauty of nature, and learning to be enchanted by our surroundings.
One thing I found interesting is that the Name Days are mentioned as being in the Almanac, but aren't tied in at all with being the commemoration of the saint that you are named after.
2013 - I read, re-read, and loved, this book growing up. I discovered it awhile ago in my keeper YA books, and thought it was time to revisit. It's just as delightful to read it as an adult, each page I turned, I found myself exclaiming, "I remember this part."
A wonderful snapshot of life at the turn of the 20th century, immigrant families, the joy of reading, the beauty of nature, and learning to be enchanted by our surroundings.
One thing I found interesting is that the Name Days are mentioned as being in the Almanac, but aren't tied in at all with being the commemoration of the saint that you are named after.
August 21, 2018
This was one of my favorite books as a kid. I was completely captivated by the loving family and their Swedish customs. I wanted a Name Day so badly! I liked the introduction of Wanda and how she becomes the key to the Name Day dilemma. Everything about this book is sweet and charming, especially the cover illustration, which grabbed me from the beginning.]
Reread August 2018
The Golden Name Day is just as enchanting as I remembered! I always wanted to go hang out with the Bensons and Carlsons and have a name day party! Everything that happens in the book is so much fun. I love the animals, the parties, picnics, the flowers, the farm and of course Name Days! The only thing I picked up on as an adult is that Nancy's mother is in the hospital for a year. In the early 1900s the only reason for that is if she's mentally ill or has consumption (tuberculosis). I'm leaning towards TB since she is allowed needles and a year is a specific length of time while a mental hospital would probably be indefinite.
The Garth Williams illustrations are so lovely! However, he didn't really do any research into clothing styles of the early 1900s. Nancy's lace dress with the drop waist looks close enough but some of the others are more contemporary to when the book was published.
Reread August 2018
The Golden Name Day is just as enchanting as I remembered! I always wanted to go hang out with the Bensons and Carlsons and have a name day party! Everything that happens in the book is so much fun. I love the animals, the parties, picnics, the flowers, the farm and of course Name Days! The only thing I picked up on as an adult is that Nancy's mother is in the hospital for a year. In the early 1900s the only reason for that is if she's mentally ill or has consumption (tuberculosis). I'm leaning towards TB since she is allowed needles and a year is a specific length of time while a mental hospital would probably be indefinite.
The Garth Williams illustrations are so lovely! However, he didn't really do any research into clothing styles of the early 1900s. Nancy's lace dress with the drop waist looks close enough but some of the others are more contemporary to when the book was published.
August 21, 2024
A sweet book full of childhood delights--flowers, parties, animals, friends, and yellow-rose wallpaper. I was rather taken with the brief representation of synesthesia . The girls learn and grow and make friends. There are lots of kind and creative adults, and Nancy never seems too bothered by the fact that her mother is in the hospital (for unknown reasons) for months at a time. Garth Williams's illustrations are lovely, a slightly more whimsical style than his Little House pictures. Recommended for fans of vintage children's books. Anna Rose Johnson reviewed it here.
I can't stop myself from saying why January 1 has no name in their name day book: it's the Holy Name Day of Jesus Christ.
I can't stop myself from saying why January 1 has no name in their name day book: it's the Holy Name Day of Jesus Christ.
December 10, 2008
I found this a pleasant, enjoyable story of a Swedish-American girl and the customs of her relatives. I wish it were still in print!
November 28, 2021
Such a lovely, sweet book. It gave me such a warm, cozy feeling. I loved the empathetic nature of Nancy's family, she never seemed "coddled" yet they were sensitive to her feelings and needs, and never belittled was was important to her. Some of the passages are so beautifully written, and brought tears to my eyes. I especially loved the emphasis on celebrations as I delight in celebrations and family traditions in my life. I've wanted to read this for years and am so grateful I finally received it via ILL. While I would not pay the going used price for the book, if you can track it down through the library, I highly recommend it to those who enjoy stories of loving families and the small-town farming life of yore.
Note: See comment below, this book is available on The Internet Archive! Hooray! (Thank you, Abigail!)
Note: See comment below, this book is available on The Internet Archive! Hooray! (Thank you, Abigail!)
July 6, 2012
The Golden Name Day is my favorite book of all time. Every time I re-read it, I am instantly transported to the couch where my mom would read this series to me. This book is literally like a hug from the past. A delightful tale of a little girl visiting a farm while her mother is ailing. The only bad thing about this book is that it is out of print, and therefore extraordinarily expensive to purchase.
January 14, 2019
I first read this in 1974 or '75, as a child, adored it, and (uncharacteristically for me) forgot all about it as an adult. One day on Goodreads, while looking into other books illustrated by Garth Williams (of Little House on the Prairie illustration renown), I came across this title and was pleasantly astounded to have found an old friend.
I had given it five stars from memory alone, a few months ago. Having re-read it yesterday and today, I find that it still deserves five stars, on merit. Both a plain-spoken and nostalgic childhood story, The Golden Name Day is full of happy childhood joys, but does not sugarcoat life's difficulties, large or small. I love its realism mixed with main character Nancy's moments of whimsy. A great historical-fiction chapter book for 8-12 year olds, especially fans of the Little House series (Laura Ingalls Wilder), the Betsy, Tacy, and Tib series (Maud Hart Lovelace), or the All of a Kind Family series (Sydney Taylor).
Further review details to follow, when I have recovered more thoroughly from illness, and am more energetic.
* Addendum: the illustrations still delight!
I had given it five stars from memory alone, a few months ago. Having re-read it yesterday and today, I find that it still deserves five stars, on merit. Both a plain-spoken and nostalgic childhood story, The Golden Name Day is full of happy childhood joys, but does not sugarcoat life's difficulties, large or small. I love its realism mixed with main character Nancy's moments of whimsy. A great historical-fiction chapter book for 8-12 year olds, especially fans of the Little House series (Laura Ingalls Wilder), the Betsy, Tacy, and Tib series (Maud Hart Lovelace), or the All of a Kind Family series (Sydney Taylor).
Further review details to follow, when I have recovered more thoroughly from illness, and am more energetic.
* Addendum: the illustrations still delight!
May 31, 2022
3.5 stars
A sweet story about a little girl who goes to live with a dear, elderly couple while her mother is sick. Wanting to make her time extra special, they do all kinds of fun things around the neighborhood, the farm, with the Sunday School girls and relatives.
Included in the old-fashioned fun, are many Swedish traditions that they introduce her to, one being a Name Day. But when they can’t find her name, Nancy, in the Swedish Almanac, everyone tries to come up with a way so she can have a Name Day too.
You and your children will enjoy this charming story and learn a few interesting facts and lessons along the way.
Ages: 8+
A sweet story about a little girl who goes to live with a dear, elderly couple while her mother is sick. Wanting to make her time extra special, they do all kinds of fun things around the neighborhood, the farm, with the Sunday School girls and relatives.
Included in the old-fashioned fun, are many Swedish traditions that they introduce her to, one being a Name Day. But when they can’t find her name, Nancy, in the Swedish Almanac, everyone tries to come up with a way so she can have a Name Day too.
You and your children will enjoy this charming story and learn a few interesting facts and lessons along the way.
Ages: 8+
February 21, 2017
A wonderful story of how immigrants pass on their traditions. I particularly like how much interaction there is between young Nancy and her elders. I wish this series would be reprinted. It has all the appeal of better-known books.
August 4, 2007
My friends and I were so in love with this book that we had a "Yellow Roses" club and to this day kick around the idea of getting matching yellow rose tattoos. One friend STOLE this from the public library; I managed to get my own copy on eBay.
July 19, 2018
I read this when I was young, but I didn't remember any of the details except that the girl didn't have a name day and really wanted one. This was such a pleasure to read because I kept remembering the details as I read them - the interesting pet names, the basket with the pattern so you could make your own, the wonderful family and friends who love and support Nancy. Such a sweet, feel-good story!
Reading this was like meeting an old friend that you hadn't remembered for years, but who you instantly felt comfortable getting to know again. The illustrations by Garth Williams were also perfect for the story.
I wish this was still in print so I could have my own copy. I would enjoy reading this again sometime and having the chance to share it with others. This was a Newbery Honor winner in 1956.
Reading this was like meeting an old friend that you hadn't remembered for years, but who you instantly felt comfortable getting to know again. The illustrations by Garth Williams were also perfect for the story.
I wish this was still in print so I could have my own copy. I would enjoy reading this again sometime and having the chance to share it with others. This was a Newbery Honor winner in 1956.
August 18, 2009
At the turn of the century, nine-year-old Nancy’s mother becomes so ill that she must spend a year in the hospital. Nancy goes to stay in a small town with the Swedish-American Bensons, where she spends a surprisingly wonderful spring full of flowers, friends, and Swedish customs.
This is one of my favorite comfort books; it’s a gentle but lively story full of marvelous details, friendship, and love. In terms of the writing, I love how the author strung the episodes together like charms on the bracelet of Nancy’s search for a name day of her own. The sequels, ‘The Little Silver House’ and ‘The Crystal Tree’ are equally wonderful.
This is one of my favorite comfort books; it’s a gentle but lively story full of marvelous details, friendship, and love. In terms of the writing, I love how the author strung the episodes together like charms on the bracelet of Nancy’s search for a name day of her own. The sequels, ‘The Little Silver House’ and ‘The Crystal Tree’ are equally wonderful.
February 6, 2010
I never read this sweet, loving book as a child, but really enjoyed it now (as is my 6 year old). The characterizations are full and all the supporting characters truly love and support the main character. A fair amount of humor, craft templates, and Garth Williams illustrations make this book a winner.
Only drawback - it's out of print and can be a challenge to track down!
Only drawback - it's out of print and can be a challenge to track down!
November 6, 2017
Nancy's mother is ill so she is sent to stay with Grandma and Grandpa (who aren't really her grandma and grandpa, but Nancy's mother and their daughter had grown up as best friends). Grandpa and Grandma welcome her as do their grandchildren Helga, Sigrid and Elsa. Soon Nancy learns of their Swedish tradition to celebrate their name days. Nancy wants a name day party, but when they consult the almanac, Nancy's name is not found. Everyone tries to come up with ways to celebrate her name day, but non of their ideas satisfy her. As time passes, she meets additional friends, creates a club, helps Grandma and Grandpa, celebrates Grandma's name day and has many other wonderful experiences. But she still longs for a name day celebration. Then she meets Wanda and lovely events transpire.
This is an older book, published in 1955. It's a sweet story with warm relationships. I appreciate that while Grandma and Grandpa are very nurturing, they do set limits and discipline her gently when necessary.
This is an older book, published in 1955. It's a sweet story with warm relationships. I appreciate that while Grandma and Grandpa are very nurturing, they do set limits and discipline her gently when necessary.
March 8, 2019
The Golden Name Day is a charming story of Nancy Wanda who goes to live with her Swedish grandparetns for a year when she is nine years old because her mother is sick in the hospital. Though sad to be away from her Momma and Papa, she loves being with Grandma and Grandpa and her three girl cousins and her Aunt Martha and Uncle Sven on the farm. Besides her sick mother, Nancy's one sadness is that she has no name day. Her name does not appear in the Swedish Almanac where all the Swedish names were written by days of the year. All her dear relatives tried their best to come up with an idea for Nancy to have her own name day, but none of the ideas will do. Finally, a new friend comes up with the perfect solution.
Written by Jennie Lindquist and was published in 1955, along with lovely illustrations by Garth Williams. Currently out of print.
Written by Jennie Lindquist and was published in 1955, along with lovely illustrations by Garth Williams. Currently out of print.
March 19, 2019
A delightful, charming story that reminds me of my favorite books from childhood. Nominated for the Newbery Award in 1956 it is, unfortunately, no longer in print.
This is a dear story about a young girl named Nancy who must come live with her grandparents because her mother has a serious extended illness (though it never says, I suspect T.B.). There is much extended family close-by so there are many outings and gathering with the Swedish relatives. Through these adventures one learns about some very lovely Swedish traditions, as well as learning to be a friend as well as having them.
Illustrated by Garth Williams (who also illustrated the Little House in the Big Woods series) it makes a lovely, sensitive read for children who love old fashioned stories.
This is a dear story about a young girl named Nancy who must come live with her grandparents because her mother has a serious extended illness (though it never says, I suspect T.B.). There is much extended family close-by so there are many outings and gathering with the Swedish relatives. Through these adventures one learns about some very lovely Swedish traditions, as well as learning to be a friend as well as having them.
Illustrated by Garth Williams (who also illustrated the Little House in the Big Woods series) it makes a lovely, sensitive read for children who love old fashioned stories.
May 29, 2010
OH MY GOSH I REMEMBER THIS BOOK. I read it because my fourth grade teacher (WHO WAS ONE OF THE COOLEST PEOPLE EVER, BTW) recommended it to me and I loved it. Wellll in that case I read it seven years ago (damn, that makes me feel old) so I don't remember much about it except for that it was a really sweet story. And there was a nice little detail about the girl reading under a stained glass window and I thought it was a really awesome description. Or maybe that was in another book … I have no idea … I think it was in this one. XP
December 5, 2009
I loved this book as a child. Nancy's mother falls ill and she is sent to live with relatives in Sweden. She is bereft to learn that children in Sweden have "name days", like birthdays and that "Nancy" did not exist in the Swedish name day ledger. I remember two things vividly about this book: The yellow rose wallpaper she has in her room (want it SO badly), and when nancy's incessant whining about not have a name day causes her Grandmother to explode and send her to her room.
August 25, 2018
1956 Newbery Honor Book
This is a very sweet story of Nancy, who is staying for a year with her Grandparents, while her mother recovers from some illness in the hospital. Most of the happenings are little family celebrations and outings, including her Grandmother's Name Day. I got a bit miffed with Nancy, as did her relatives, when she got so stubborn about her name day, but then everything worked out well at the end.
This is a very sweet story of Nancy, who is staying for a year with her Grandparents, while her mother recovers from some illness in the hospital. Most of the happenings are little family celebrations and outings, including her Grandmother's Name Day. I got a bit miffed with Nancy, as did her relatives, when she got so stubborn about her name day, but then everything worked out well at the end.
January 6, 2020
A city girl whose mother is very ill goes to live in the country with her grandparents, and spends a spring and summer playing with her cousins and enjoying life on a farm.
This one melted into syrupy sweetness, mixed with the cloying annoyance of a sad girl complaining and getting everything she wants. So, well, kind of ew. The one saving grace here are the illustrations by Garth Williams.
This one melted into syrupy sweetness, mixed with the cloying annoyance of a sad girl complaining and getting everything she wants. So, well, kind of ew. The one saving grace here are the illustrations by Garth Williams.
August 30, 2012
This was one of my favorite books as a young girl, and it is still one of my favorites! A great, sweet story of days gone by filled with wonderful examples of human kindness. A must-read for young girls and older girls alike!
February 7, 2024
This charming little book is as golden as its title. It's one of those books that depicts a world so magnificently and so comprehensively that you can hardly believe the author has invented it all.
Any good novel will fool you into thinking the fiction is real, of course, and lots of children's literature does this superbly, but I think Jennie Lindquist achieves a special rung of success in this book. The people, places, things, and incidents in this book carry a remarkable weight of reality; any similar author I can think of (like Elizabeth Enright, Beverly Cleary, Noel Streatfield, even my beloved Astrid Lindgren) creates a world that pales in comparison—still convincing but much less rich and vivid and multilayered. In this respect, I wouldn't hesitate to claim that this little-known gem ranks alongside the best works of L.M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott.
My children and I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet story about Nancy, a city girl spending a year with her grandparents in a rural Swedish-American community (seemingly set in the early 20th century), her desire to belong, and her extended family's attempts to dispel her homesickness. Many layers of family history, custom, and Swedish tradition are woven into the chapters—this is part of what makes the fictionalized world seem so fully realized. (Nancy's desire to be "a real Swedish girl" is so poignant that my 4yo asked me, "Am I a Swedish girl??" and all my children begged me to find out what their name days were...and promise to celebrate them!)
Equally crucial to the book's realism, there aren't any real villains or calamities—much of the action is tranquil and sunny, and when storm clouds gather, as they must in all good stories, it's just the everyday drama that arises from disappointment, frustration, misunderstanding, or differences of opinion.
I think the only misstep is that too many new characters come into the book toward the end. The plot became a little too rambling, as if the author were desperate to introduce fresh material—this surprised me, since she handled her limited material so adeptly up until that point. But still, this was a thoroughly delightful book, and I'm looking forward to reading its two sequels soon!
Any good novel will fool you into thinking the fiction is real, of course, and lots of children's literature does this superbly, but I think Jennie Lindquist achieves a special rung of success in this book. The people, places, things, and incidents in this book carry a remarkable weight of reality; any similar author I can think of (like Elizabeth Enright, Beverly Cleary, Noel Streatfield, even my beloved Astrid Lindgren) creates a world that pales in comparison—still convincing but much less rich and vivid and multilayered. In this respect, I wouldn't hesitate to claim that this little-known gem ranks alongside the best works of L.M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott.
My children and I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet story about Nancy, a city girl spending a year with her grandparents in a rural Swedish-American community (seemingly set in the early 20th century), her desire to belong, and her extended family's attempts to dispel her homesickness. Many layers of family history, custom, and Swedish tradition are woven into the chapters—this is part of what makes the fictionalized world seem so fully realized. (Nancy's desire to be "a real Swedish girl" is so poignant that my 4yo asked me, "Am I a Swedish girl??" and all my children begged me to find out what their name days were...and promise to celebrate them!)
Equally crucial to the book's realism, there aren't any real villains or calamities—much of the action is tranquil and sunny, and when storm clouds gather, as they must in all good stories, it's just the everyday drama that arises from disappointment, frustration, misunderstanding, or differences of opinion.
I think the only misstep is that too many new characters come into the book toward the end. The plot became a little too rambling, as if the author were desperate to introduce fresh material—this surprised me, since she handled her limited material so adeptly up until that point. But still, this was a thoroughly delightful book, and I'm looking forward to reading its two sequels soon!
May 1, 2023
4.5🌟 Lovely chapter book! The cozy details are absolutely wonderful - the descriptions of flowers, clothing, rooms, food, etc. made me long to be part of the story myself. Nancy's year long visit to the house of her Swedish "Grandma" and "Grandpa" proves to be a delight, even though she is missing her family back home.
It's hard not to be a wee bit envious of Nancy's energetic and kind cousins, aunts, uncle and animal companions. Her family makes it their mission to keep homesickness at bay and bring the little girl as much happiness as they can.
I fell in love with the story from the very first page until 2/3 of the way through. At that point, I began to feel a little impatient of Nancy's insistence on a name day of her very own. But, I still enjoyed the rest of the book anyway.
Also, there is a children's book mentioned in the story that both Nancy and her cousins really love titled, "The Cuckoo Clock". Although they don't mention the author, they describe a little girl named Griselda who is dressed in gray. As luck would have it, I realized that own a copy of this 1916 book by Mrs. Molesworth and I can't wait to read it.
If you're ever interested in reading The Golden Name Day, I would highly recommend reading The Cuckoo Clock first. A comforting and uplifting book!
It's hard not to be a wee bit envious of Nancy's energetic and kind cousins, aunts, uncle and animal companions. Her family makes it their mission to keep homesickness at bay and bring the little girl as much happiness as they can.
I fell in love with the story from the very first page until 2/3 of the way through. At that point, I began to feel a little impatient of Nancy's insistence on a name day of her very own. But, I still enjoyed the rest of the book anyway.
Also, there is a children's book mentioned in the story that both Nancy and her cousins really love titled, "The Cuckoo Clock". Although they don't mention the author, they describe a little girl named Griselda who is dressed in gray. As luck would have it, I realized that own a copy of this 1916 book by Mrs. Molesworth and I can't wait to read it.
If you're ever interested in reading The Golden Name Day, I would highly recommend reading The Cuckoo Clock first. A comforting and uplifting book!
September 9, 2012
I'd actually give this one 4.5 stars.
I found this while I was doing some cleaning, so of course I had to stop for a reread. It's an old childhood book from my grandma's house that I loved when I was in elementary school, and it's still a charming read. It's about a girl staying with Swedish relatives while her mother is ill. The name-day of the title refers to the almanac of saints' name days, and the custom of celebrating the one for which you are named. Nancy is a more modern name and doesn't have an entry in the Swedish almanac, and the story focuses on how Nancy manages to have a name day after all. I enjoyed reading about the time she spent learning about her heritage, and it ended up being a simple, sweet story. I love the illustrations in this one, too. The book is illustrated by Garth Williams, illustrator of the Little House on the Prairie books. This book is out of print, and it's one of many books that really should be reprinted!
I found this while I was doing some cleaning, so of course I had to stop for a reread. It's an old childhood book from my grandma's house that I loved when I was in elementary school, and it's still a charming read. It's about a girl staying with Swedish relatives while her mother is ill. The name-day of the title refers to the almanac of saints' name days, and the custom of celebrating the one for which you are named. Nancy is a more modern name and doesn't have an entry in the Swedish almanac, and the story focuses on how Nancy manages to have a name day after all. I enjoyed reading about the time she spent learning about her heritage, and it ended up being a simple, sweet story. I love the illustrations in this one, too. The book is illustrated by Garth Williams, illustrator of the Little House on the Prairie books. This book is out of print, and it's one of many books that really should be reprinted!
October 29, 2013
I was first introduced to this trilogy while a college student studying Special Education and Children's Lit. I fell in love with the pictures the books painted and the illustrations drawn by Garth Williams. I searched for several years, but finally found the three of them on sale at a library sale of old books. I'm so happy I did. I spent a couple weeks in Sweden as a high schooler with a Swedish family and have never forgotten some of their customs that they introduced me to.
January 2, 2013
Definitely one of my favorite books as a child and now I'm reading it to my daughter who found it, became interested in it, and asked me to read it to her. I hope that she can come to love it as I have for so many years!
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