The Old Woman Who Named Things

Title: The Old Woman Who Named Things

Author: Cynthia Rylant

Copyright Date: 1996

Publisher: Voyager Books Harcourt Inc.

Possible Theme: Elderly, Life and Love, Loss, Shelter Dogs

Personal Response: This story is about an Old Woman that gives up on living attachments (even the four legged kind) being involved in her life. The woman has lived so long that many of her friends have died and she does not want to get attached to a little stray puppy that wanders along. The Old Woman did not want to be sad anymore (the loss was just so hurtful) and she did this by not naming the puppy. If she did not name the dog then she would not get attached. Nevertheless she names every other nonliving object! My favorite is her car called Franklin. Her plan hits a snag when the little stray dog is taken to a shelter. She realizes that getting attached not only helps her but can help others too. In the end she realizes how lucky she really is to have others in her life. This story is filled with meaning and really helps children to empathize with the old woman (not to mention elderly citizens in general). I also love that it emphasizes the need of shelter dogs and how pets can help people to heal!

Student Journal Entry: The Old Woman gives Lucky the best gift ever…a home! Lucky gives her a gift too! Lucky is her friend. Many times elderly individual don’t have many visitors. Write about things you could do to make elderly individuals feel loved and cared for.    

Activity: Make a T-Chart of nonliving things and living things in your house. Go around your house and find nonliving things to name then bring in a list of all the things with corresponding names. Is your favorite chair named Bethany? Does your favorite table look like a Billy Bob? 

Website: Click HERE to look up the meaning behind your name.