The Old Woman Who Named Things

This is a beautiful story for children who are ready for more text and a slightly deeper story. The old woman has outlived her friends and is lonely. She doesn't want to outlive anything else that she cares about, so she only names things that will last longer than she will. That concept is difficult for the smallest children to grasp, but some will understand her loneliness and fear of losing loved ones. It teaches the lesson of trusting in love because we must - that is our humanity. And, in the end, it is a gift, whether we outlive those we love or not. The old woman learns that in this lovely book by Cynthia Rylant, one of my favorite authors.

I've become a big fan of Cynthia Rylant since our grandson was born in 2019. He loves the Henry and Mudge books, and now I'm giving the Mr. Putter and Tabby books a try. This particular book has such a sweet story! I don't know if it's because I'm an old woman myself, or just because I like stories that aren't silly, but this book really appeals to me. I want my grandson (who's now 4 yrs. old) to hear about all kinds of people...not just young ones...and to see that there's a lot more to life than just Monster trucks and Paw Patrol.

I love this book, dearly. I often send copies to grandparents who will enjoy the story as much as the the kids. Everyone loves a brown dog story with a happy ending. Watch for the faces in Kathryn Brown's furniture!

Excellent

We have loved many of Cynthia Rylant's books, including the Henry and Mudge series and the Mr. Putter and Tabby series. However, I think this is her best book of all. The old woman reminded me so much of my late mother, who did name things, and also didn't want to get close to anything new in her old age, afraid they would outlive her. Happily, she and the old woman in the story both took a chance. I still tear up everything I read this book. The illustrations are beautiful and the message is wonderful. I will continue to read this long after my kids are grown, probably when I am the old woman naming things!

This is one of our new favorite books to read. I love the friendship development and how they dog and old lady both rescue each other.

I used to read this to my students when I taught but recently bought this for a friend in his early 60s. He didn’t want to get another dog bc he didn’t want to outlive it… so naturally I thought of this book. He CRACKED up when he read it. He still hasn’t gotten one, but it’s a great gift book for friends who are getting along in years and might appreciate a wonderful canine companion.

Such a beautiful story for any age... young or old! This old woman finds a way to open her heart to a very special animal friend. A great read aloud to children of any age!

Lovely story with lovely illustrations

良い

bought it for my reading program in grade 3

Ótima leitura

The most beautiful book! I'm a teacher and cannot reccomend enough.