Genre 2- (Traditional Literature) Turtle Knows Your Name

Turtle Know Your Name
 by: Ashley Bryan

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bryan, Ashley. (1989). TURTLE KNOWS YOUR NAME. New York, NY. Atheneum. ISBN-0-689-31578-3

PLOT SUMMARY

Award-winning African-American artist and author Ashley Bryan’s Turtle Knows Your Name is a fantastic retelling of an African folktale that informs its readers of the importance of names in black culture. The story is about a young boy named Upsilimana Tumpalerado who is challenged by his grandmother to learn his long and hard to pronounce name. Unappreciative of his peers calling him “Long Name”, because his really name was confusing, he one day decided to play by himself with the farm animals who also wouldn’t say his name. Only the sea turtle knew his name, but the sea turtle knows everyone’s name. When Upsilimana Tumpalerado’s Granny challenged him to say her real name for his dessert after dinner, he realized he didn’t know his Granny's name. Upsilimana Tumpalerado learns to appreciate his own name once he realizes that his Granny's name is Mapaseedo Jackalindy Eye Pie Tackarindy which was much more difficult to pronounce than his own. The boy and his Granny both decide to call each other names that are easily pronounced and pleasing to one another, even though they will always remember the importance of their real names and its contribution to their culture.    

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Traditional of the opening phrase of a folktale, “Once there was a little boy and he had a very long name,” Bryan’s readers gather the idea that this story took place in an imaginary land or far away. Bryan’s use of the old turtle who can speak to humans and the teaching of a lesson or moral are traditional to folktales that have been passed down from generation to generation. The old turtle in Bryan’s story can also be viewed by his readers as a representation of time. “Turtle was older than anyone could tell. He even remembered Granny’s name dance when Granny, as a little girl, danced with her granny on the shore. “

Through repetition, rhyme, and song Bryan has cleverly educated his readers about the significance of traditions in diverse cultures. “Upsilimana Tumpalerado, That’s my name. I took my time to learn it. Won’t you do the same?” Upsilimana Tumpalerado’s name song is just one of the many examples throughout Bryan’s repeated patterns and noticeable rhymes that are ear pleasing and provide opportunities for participation and feedback from his listeners and readers. The repetition of Upsilimana Tumpalerado’s name in Bryan’s story is another excellent example of the opportunities he allows his readers to interact with the story. Bryan’s songs and dances throughout the story also mimic the tradition and culture of the African characters in the story. Bryan’s retelling of Turtle Knows Your Name encourages his readers to embrace their differences and admire their culture's heritage through the uniqueness and beauty of their individual names.This classic book will benefit readers of all ages through its multicultural components and diverse message. Bryan’s story also promotes tolerance towards differences among culture groups and provides readers opportunities to support diversity.  

Bryan’s brilliant water color illustrations of the bright yellow sun, golden sand, dark green grass, bold red strips, and beautiful blue water colors covering the full length of the page are true to the bright and bold colors of African culture. The precise details of the shapes and lines that make up the character's features and surroundings give readers an accurate image of the heritage and traditions being emphasized in the story. Upsilimana Tumpalerado’s granny patting his head in a comforting manner as well as the town villagers dancing collectively in the street, are great example of the relationships and closeness of the characters that Bryan is meaning to depict through his illustrations.    

Bryan’s retold version of Turtle Knows Your Name is a fantastic example of diversity among cultures. This classic tale should be shared in every home and classroom across the world promoting a rich, diverse, and developmentally appropriate classroom or home library for everyone to enjoy.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Publishers Weekly- "Bryan's language relies not only on resonant island rhythms but lyrical traditions as well."

School Library Journal- “Bryan shows his love of word patterns, sounds, and repetition in his retelling of this West Indian folktale.”

CONNECTIONS

If you are looking for a fun and exciting way to teach tolerance and provide meaningful opportunities for children to embrace cultural differences, Turtle Knows Your Name  is the folktale that you are looking for. There are also other traditional tales that represent African culture that could be used:

Related Folktales
Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales by: Nelson Mandela - ISBN: 0393329909
The Fire Children: A West African Folk Tale: by Eric Maddern, Frané Lessac - ISBN: 1845075145
Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky: by Elphinstone Dayrell - ISBN: 0395539633
  

Activity:

Readers Theaters are a great way for children to interact with what they are reading, as well as interact with their peers. Readers Theaters can also help children with comprehending what a selected reading is trying to convey.  Turtle Knows Your Name would be a great book for children to dramatize.

Step 1: Read Turtle Knows Your Name to children
Step 2: Help readers create a dramatic representation of the book in script form.
Step 3: Divide the parts among participating readers.
Step 4: Have a copy of the script for each reader.
Step 5:  Perform Script

NOTE: Have readers focus on reading the scripts with expression, while using gestures. No memorization, costumes, or special lighting is needed, but if these things are available they could add to the excitement. Most importantly make comprehending the text meaningful and fun for all children.