Elizabeth really likes her name. And what’s not to love? It has nine letters and makes lots of good sounds. Even the Queen is named Elizabeth. But what Elizabeth loves most is that the name is her very own. So she doesn’t like it when people shorten it – to Lizzy or Beth – or worse, turn it into a different name altogether – like Betsy. (Hey, I can relate: I can’t tell you how many times a week I politely correct someone who’s chosen to change my name from “Elisabeth” to “Liz.”)

And that’s really what the book is all about: identity. Like the book’s target audience, Elizabeth is full of burgeoning independence, and there’s no simpler or more important way to own your identity than by claiming your name. Elizabeth’s solution to her nickname problem is clever and effective: she calls out her entire name, middle names included, then says, “But you can call me Elizabeth.” Best of all, it’s a fix that allows her to retain all her power, even amid the world of well-meaning but condescending grown-ups.

The two-tone illustrations by Matthew Forsythe (whose Ojingogo was a Q&Q book of the year in 2008) give the book a stylish, retro feel, while maintaining a cartoony aesthetic with lots of kid appeal. Elizabeth herself is rendered with great facial expressions, and her constant companion, a crown-sporting pet duck, is an inspired addition.

Engaging and uncomplicated, My Name is Elizabeth! offers a fun, easy-to-follow story told through simple language that will encourage repeat readings. First-time children’s author Annika Dunklee hits the mark with a spunky character who is guaranteed to charm early readers and parents alike.