What a Beautiful Name

July 15, 2020
Oliver and his monkey, Leo, set off on a quest to discover a mysterious, beautiful name in this picture book inspired by the chart-topping worship song of the same name. When young Oliver hears his mother singing one day, the lyrics of the song "What a Beautiful Name" noodle into his brain. Who or what is this beautiful name? It can only mean one thing: time for an adventure. In their bright yellow rocket ship, Oliver and his trusty sidekick, Leo, jet off over mountains, an ocean, a jungle, a desert, and into outer space and back in search of the mysterious name. Along the way they discover that the name must be not only beautiful, but wonderful and powerful as well. Yet the name they seek is found not in the glory of creation but safe at home in Oliver's very own Bible. The use of a rocket as their primary mode of transport is a somewhat confusing choice given their largely terrestrial destinations. It is also not entirely clear how Oliver comes to understand the wonder, power, and beauty of the name of Jesus on the basis of his journey. Nevertheless, the rhyme keeps things moving while Scott Ligertwood's illustrations, reminiscent of Oliver Jeffers' style, enchant. Oliver presents White, so the choice of an unspeaking monkey sidekick is a regrettable one, given stereotypical associations of monkeys with Black people. Aftermatter prints the lyrics in full and includes a note for parents and scriptural references for those lyrics. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9.5-by-19-inch double-page spreads viewed at 18.5% of actual size.) The book lacks the engaging hook of the popular song, but the illustrations (mostly) charm. (Picture book. 3-6)

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