Local Author Pens Children's Book About Names

Rachel Levy Lesser’s newest children’s book was a project written out of passion. “My Name is Rebecca Romm, Named after My Mother's Mom,”

The passion was much was evident as Lesser, who is a resident of Upper Makefield, read “My Name is Rebecca Romm, Named after My Mother's Mom” to a room full of youngsters last week at the.

The book explores the origins of the main character, Rebecca, whose name was acquired from her late grandmother.

“It’s basically about a girl who is sick of hearing about her name. She wants a name that is all her own,” Lesser said.

The married mother of two was struck with the idea for the concept when she was wondering what her 6-year-old daughter, Rebecca, would think about her name.

Rebecca, in the book, becomes frustrated when her young classmates compare her to her mother’s mom and she destines for a name all of her own.

As the book progresses, Rebecca works on a class project that dissects the origins of the students’ names. At that point, the book offers readers information about some famous people Rebecca’s classmates are named after, Lesser said.

By the end of the book, the main character learns more about her grandmother, who is based on Lesser’s daughter’s real-life late grandmother. Rebecca, in the book, learns what made her namesake so special.

While Lesser told Patch her daughter never had questions or complaints about the origin her name, she hopes the book spurs a conversation in with parents to explaining to children where their names came from.

The book features a myriad of famous names and background information on the person behind the name, Lesser said. Also featured are the names of several of her kid's friends.

The book has received great feedback from parents and critics alike, Lesser said after she finished reading her book last week at Newtown Bookshop.

The author praised Sunny Lee for her colorful illustrations in the book.

In the end, Lesser said she hopes kids can learn that each of their names have a unique story.

Lesser's first book, “Shopping for Love”, was released in 2008. She has also had content featured in several newspapers and magazines.

Click here to purchase the book on Amazon.com.

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