My Name Is Cool

A child with 11 names tells the story behind how he got them in this autobiographical picture book by Sacre. From his first nickname and its variations to the name his Cuban grandmother calls him, the narrator has 10 monikers by the time he starts kindergarten. But on the first day, the attendance sheet listing—Antonio Sacre—genuinely confuses him. Explaining that his name is “Mr. Magoo El Señor Magoo El Goo Antonio Bernardo Sacre Papito Coquito Futinquito El Capitán de los Mosquitos” results in snickers among the students, portrayed with various skin tones, and gets him sent to the principal’s office. But the visit results in a listening ear, and an addition—an 11th name that affirms the child’s selfhood. Demonteverde’s unlined art employs embellished borders and flourishes, and depicts family and identity as central to a child’s life. Ages 4–8. (Aug.)