If you have not seen Maya Angelou singing "The Name Song" on Sesame Street, go here immediately.  When you come back, here are some children's books whose namesakes are proud to be who they are as well.

Olivia by Ian Falconer

The line that best sums up Olivia is spoken by her mother at the end of the book as she tucks her in at night: "You know, you really wear me out. But I love you anyway," Olivia precociously pronounces, "I love you anyway too."

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

"She was not afraid of mice -

She loved winter, snow and ice

To the tiger in the zoo

Madeline just said, Pooh-pooh" 

Matilda by Roald Dahl

This has to be a favorite among  librarians: a voracious reader with a true moral compass, and a few tricks up her sleeve.  

Eloise by Kay Thompson

A portrait of Eloise was hung in the lobby of the Plaza Hotel. Lena Dunham has a Eloise tattoo. What more can we say about this girl?

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. A  school story about being proud of who you are. Chrysanthemum would really like Maya Angelou's song.   

Owen by Kevin Henkes

Another school story by Kevin Henkes. This one starring Owen and his beloved fuzzy yellow blanket named (what else) Fuzzy.

Frederick by Leo Lionni

While the other field mice gather food for the winter, Frederick, the dreamer poet, gathers words and colors and sun rays to feed the spirits of his fellow mice during the darkest Winter days.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to​ be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ​picks! Tell us what you'd recommend: Leave a comment or email us.