The Old Woman Who Named Things

Ten years after first reading this aloud at circle time, Rylant's lovely story of the old woman who has to decide to, once more, take a chance on love and loss, has become a beloved old friend to me. Brown's quirky illustrations are quite memorable--especially the joyous spread near the end of the story in which the dog, with his tongue hanging out, happily sticks his head out the window of the old woman's car that is driving him home. Cynthia Rylant has won a Newbery for MISSING MAY, and has authored HENRY AND MUDGE, the greatest easy reader series ever published. THE OLD WOMAN WHO NAMED THINGS is absolutely right up there with the best of her work.

I bought this wonderful little book because I love Ms. Rylant's book, "Cat Heaven" and had intended to give it to my grandson, but I'm keeping it for myself I love it so much (I can read it to him when he visits!) The illustrations are awesome. I love the little old lady's outfit, complete with flowered baggy pants and pointy-toed cowboy boots. Readers from age 5 to 99 out there need this book about love, life and loss. It'll make you smile.

This is simply a beautiful book. The illustrations are marvelous - real works of art!!! Sometimes illustrations don't do justice to a storyline - but in this case it really works. The book is very emotional. I actually got choked up reading the story a couple of times to my young daughter. It's a book I never tire of reading. It's deep, philosophical and contains meaningful life lessons (ie. how to come to terms with one's death, the choices we make, whether we choose to embrace life or reject/fear it, the value we place in material things). In other words, it's a book that makes you think. Young and old would appreciate this book as a gift. It's written in a sweet, gentle voice and how Cynthia Rylant has a way with words!!! I love this book so much, I bought it for my child's teacher. Please check out this book - you won't be disappointed.

I don't know why this book didn't get more attention. If I had to choose one children's book as my favorite, this may well be it. And it's never failed me when I've read it for children either - each time, a hush comes over the room.What's interesting to me about this book, it's one of the few children's books that don't have any 'children' characters. Basically, it's the story about a lonely woman finding a dog, but, like all great books, there's all kinds of other things put in on top of that - old age, death, the memory of good friends and the lesson that you have to be willing to risk and lose in order to love and be happy.Cynthia Rylant has written a very special book here and I urge you to get this book. You will not be disappointed.