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Now a New York Times Bestseller!
Just How Big Can a Little Girl Dream?
Ask Isabella...
She takes a wild ride-and discovers the sky's the limit!
"This story...speaks frankly about self-identity and self affirmation as Isabella decides at the end that she is actually herself...because she possesses the best parts of all of the women she looks up to."
-ForeWord Magazine
"The colorful mixed-media artwork reinforces the fanciful, upbeat tone of the book. Use this story to ignite young readers' interest in women's history."
-School Library Journal
Who Is Your Hero?
Isabella's include U.S. Astronaut Sally Ride, activist Rosa Parks, and sharpshooter Annie Oakley-but there's no bigger hero than Isabella's own mommy!
Join Isabella on an adventure of discovery-and find out how imagining to be these extraordinary women teaches her the importance of being her extraordinary self.
A rollicking read-aloud and terrific "read-to-myself" story, My Name Is Not Isabella is capturing hearts and awards, including:
Jennifer Fosberry is a science geek turned children's book writer. Until recently, she worked as a project manager in Silicon Valley in the high-tech electronic field. She currently divides her time between the San Francisco Bay Area and Costa Rica with her husband and three children.
Mike Litwin combines a variety of media to create scenes that serve the imagination and education of women. A graduate of the East Carolina University School of Art and Design, he plays both designer and illustrator with an often wacky, always delightful style that uniquely blends playful innocence with devilish mischief. Illustrating and telling stories for children is his passion, his entertainment, and his dream. He currently lives in Greenville, North Carolina, with his wife and three daughters.
""Isabella puts an imaginative spin on her day-to-day activities that reminds us all that we can do anything and be anyone we choose."" - Parenting Pink
""Empowering to young girls and very positive."" - Eco Child's Play
""A delightful tale of young Isabella trying on the personality of daring women who left an indelible mark on history."" - Modern Home Modern Baby
""Fun inspiration...sure to be enjoyed." " - Chronicles of an Infant Bibliophile
""It's the kind of book that can open a little girl's mind up to a world of new stories simply by letting her explore all the possibilities."" - BabyCenter
""The exuberance of the text and typography, coupled with Isabella's force of personality, ensures that the pages fly along, largely and blessedly free of the earnestness that plagues so many "girls can do anything" books."" - Publishers Weekly
"A tremendous book." - Mommy's Memorandum
" "A great story for little girls!"" - Amanda's Favs
The title phrase is what this purple-haired little girl says when her mother awakens her, because Isabella is Sally this morning, "the greatest, toughest astronaut who ever was!" When mother calls her "Sally" at breakfast, though, the girl announces that she's Annie, the "fastest sharp-shooter." It's Rosa the activist who waits for the bus and Marie the scientist who eats the cookies mother has made for her after school. Elizabeth the doctor relaxes in the bubble bath, and then the child announces that she, Isabella, is "Mommy, the greatest, sweetest mother who ever was!" One-paragraph bios of Sally Ride, Annie Oakley, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Elizabeth Blackwell and "Mommy" appear at the end (the Mommy bio is rather egregious). It's difficult to suss out the story, though. While it's nifty that Isabella imagines herself to be these great women, her mother's entire efforts are bent to taking care of Isabella, from hot breakfast to hot bubblebath. If that's what she aspires to be in the end, it's both solipsistic and philosophically tenuous and leaves readers young and older unengaged. (bibliography) (Picture book. 5-8)
K-Gr 2
"Good morning, Isabella," says a mother to her daughter. "My name is not Isabella!" says the child. She is Sally, the "greatest, toughest astronaut who ever was!" At breakfast she becomes Annie the sharpshooter, and then Rosa on the bus ride to school. When she gets home that afternoon, she is Marie, the scientist; then Elizabeth, the doctor; Mommy, the greatest mother; and, finally, Isabella again. She falls asleep thinking about who she will become tomorrow. Throughout the day, the mother good-humoredly encourages her daughter's flights of imagination. The repetitive text, while somewhat contrived, serves to drive home the message that girls can do and be anything they want. The inclusion of motherhood in the list of worthwhile occupations is refreshing. The colorful mixed-media artwork reinforces the fanciful, upbeat tone of the book. An appendix gives more information on the lives and careers of all the women alluded to, and a list of works consulted presents opportunities for further research. Use this story to ignite young readers' interest in women's history.-Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD
Jennifer Fosberry is a science geek turned children's book writer. Until recently, she worked as a project manager in Silicon Valley in the high-tech electronics field. She currently divides her time between the San Francisco Bay Area and Costa Rica with her husband and three children.
Mike Litwin is an award-winning illustrator who combines oil glazing, color pencil, collage, and other mixed media to create scenes that serve the imagination and education of children.
From My Name is not Isabella
"Good morning, Isabella," the mother said. "It's time to getup and out of bed."
"My name is not Isabella!" said the little girl.
"Then who has been sleeping in my daughter's bed?" asked the mother.
"I am SALLY, the greatest, toughest astronaut who ever was!"
"Well, Sally, BLAST out of bed, put on your space suit and come downstairs for breakfast."
Can a little girl be an astronaut, sharp-shooter, and scientist? Isabella can, and she can do that and more all in one day. Although this book seems to be a little over my four-year-old granddaughter's head, she still loves it and asks to read it over and over. I think she enjoys taking it all in. I can almost see her little brain cogs turning as we flip through the pages. She likes the repetitiveness of "My name is not . . ." and the suspense of who the little girl will be next. The action-filled illustrations set a nice pace as the reader watches Isabella imagine her way through the day. I like what Mike Litwin does with the illustrations of Isabella's mother. He clearly works through Isabella's eyes. Even though the illustrations only reveal the mother's face once, her presence is felt throughout the book via illustrations from Isabella's perspective. The mom asks questions on every other page such as, "Then who has been sleeping in my daughters bed?" and "Then who will eat this fine breakfast I cooked?" My granddaughter likes the playful interaction between Isabella and her mother. I'm not sure which she enjoys more: When Isabella says, "I am Mommy . . . ." or when the story comes full circle and Isabella snuggles up under her blankets. Now, back to the book being over my granddaughter's head. She overheard my daughter and me talking about how cool it is that Jennifer Fosberry includes short blurbs on each famous woman, including Mommy, in the back of the book. The next time my granddaughter and I read the book, she went to the back pages and asked, "What does it say about the women?"
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 13, 2011
I am 6 years old and I love this book, you should buy it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Both of my daughters love this book, They can't get enough of it !
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MagsOH
Posted February 23, 2012
This beautiful book highlights the accomplishments of women throughout history in a quick, pattern style layout. It's a great read for all and especially recommended for moms and daughters to read together. It's a great book to use in the classroom as well.
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Posted April 15, 2011
it should not be 17 bucks. get it at the library its not worth it
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 20, 2011
blech!!!!!!!!!!!
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 7, 2008
'My Name is Not Isabella' is a lovely little dialogue between a mother and daughter, wherein the daughter imagines herself as many different historical figures. It is almost in verse form, with a repetitive structure that will make it a favorite during many bedtime rituals - and the bonus section at the end with biographical information on all of the women referenced (including mom - SUCH a sweet touch) boosts the educational content and is a catalyst for further discussions with older children. The illustrations are dynamic, with many subtle touches that enhance the message. Not just for girls, the message is a wonderful one for all children about having the confidence to be all you can imagine. It's my daughter's new favorite!
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Overview
Now a New York Times Bestseller!
Just How Big Can a Little Girl Dream?
Ask Isabella...
She takes a wild ride-and discovers the sky's the limit!
"This story...speaks frankly about self-identity and self affirmation as Isabella decides at the end that she is actually herself...because she possesses the best ...