JOSEPHINA HATES HER NAME
By
The little alligator girl introduced in Josephina, the Great Collector is back in another illuminating vignette. Josephina and her two friends agree to trade names--but neither Amy nor Sarah is willing to borrow Josephina's. Still brooding over this injustice, Josephina confides in Grandma, who explains that Josephina was named for her great-aunt, Grandma's admired older sister, long ago, she and Grandma lived where ""it was hot and green and very beautiful."" Grandma's sister was also beautiful, and brave, always doing interesting things; she finally went off to the Great Jungle. Josephina is entranced, and relays Grandma's story to her friends with such enthusiasm that now everyone wants to be Josephina. Vigorous black line and watercolor bring Josephina affectionately to life in busy illustrations filled with humorous detail. A satisfyingly realistic resolution of a common childhood concern.