A picture book for ages 5+

In Search of Little One’s Name

There was once a baby who had no name. One night, a pelican flew in through her window, and their search across the night sky began.

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Written by Nadeesha Jayasinghe · Illustrated by Gayanath Dayasundara

Book cover: a baby rides on a blue pelican across a starry night sky.

The story

A baby, a pelican and a name hidden in the stars

Little One’s parents searched far and wide for a name, but none of them suited her. So they called her Little One until the perfect name was found.

Then one night, Aishwany, the Empress of Names, swoops in through the window. Together they fly to a cloud shaped like a tree, where wise Grandfather Sisil points them to four bright stars. Each star whispers a clue to her name.

But the stars are starting to fade. On the way, Little One meets a farmer, a brave peacock and a village sheltered by its trees, and each of them shows her something about the world. Will the last star help find her name in time?

Meet the characters

Who Little One meets along the way

Little One asleep, wrapped in a pink blanket.

Little One

A baby with no name

Her parents searched far and wide, but no name quite suited her.

Aishwany, a blue pelican with green wings and a golden beak.

Aishwany

The Empress of Names

A blue pelican who has never failed to find a name, until now.

Grandfather Sisil, an old golden monkey, pointing up to the sky.

Grandfather Sisil

Reader of the stars

A small, wise old monkey who points them to the four stars.

The farmer smiling among her healthy crops.

The Farmer

Grower of the healthiest crops

Her harvest can feed her whole village, thanks to the earth.

A peacock fanning soil onto a forest fire.

The Peacock

Protector of the forest

Uses soil and its wings to put out a fire.

Look inside

The first pages

Swipe or scroll sideways to turn the pages.

Opening spread: a sleeping baby beside the words 'There was once a baby who had no name.'
“There was once a baby who had no name.”
Spread: a pelican lands at the open window on a moonlit night.
One night, a pelican flew in through her window.
Spread: a cloud shaped like a tree under the moon.
A cloud shaped like a tree.
Grandfather Sisil looks up at four bright stars.

Behind the story

Where the stars help choose a name

The story is based on the Vedic astrological naming tradition practised in many South Asian cultures. From a child’s date, time and place of birth, an astrologer offers a selection of letters and sounds, and the child’s name is formed from them.

The book was inspired by the birth of Nadeesha’s niece. It turns a family custom into a bedtime adventure that any child can enjoy, wherever their own name came from.

For parents and teachers

Talk about it together

The book ends with five discussion questions. They work at bedtime, in a kindergarten circle or in a Primary 1 classroom.

  1. Do you know the meaning of your name or why it was chosen for you?
  2. Have you ever heard of naming traditions in your family or culture? How are they similar or different from what happened in the story?
  3. What was your favourite part of Little One’s journey?
  4. Who was your favourite character in the story, and why?
  5. If you were to choose your own name, what would it be and why?

Storytelling sessions in Singapore

Bring the story to your school or library

Nadeesha reads the book live with children: character voices, the star sounds and a conversation about where our names come from.

Kindergartens and primary schools

A read-aloud for K2 to Primary 2 classes, with the discussion questions as a class activity.

Libraries and community centres

A family session for children aged 5 and up and their grown-ups.

Festivals and events

A storytelling slot for children’s book festivals and cultural celebrations.

To book a session, email Ask about class sets for schools.

Where to buy

Get your copy

Singapore

Online and in bookshops

Order online from TikTok Shop, Epigram Books or Bookshop.sg, or find it in selected bookshops.

TikTok ShopEpigram BooksBookshop.sg

Sri Lanka

Online and in bookshops

Order online from jumpbooks.lk or Barefoot Bookshop, or find it in selected bookshops.

Jump BooksBarefoot Bookshop

Everywhere else

Amazon

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Already read it with your little one?

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Reader reviews

What readers are saying

★★★★★

A special journey reading this book

It was such a special journey reading this book about self discovery. Meaningfully written and beautifully illustrated! Bought a copy, and then ended up buying a few more copies as gifts for my family/friends.
DarshReviewed on Amazon in Singapore

★★★★★

Heart warming storyline and gorgeously illustrated pictures

This book started a wonderful conversation about the significance of names across different cultures. It provided a way to explain to my son that his name means “to laugh” and how names often carry meaning and personal/cultural significance.
AnneReviewed on Amazon in Australia

★★★★★

A meaningful tale with beautiful illustrations

My daughter absolutely loved it from the very first read, and it’s now become a essential part of her bedtime routine. She asks for it often, and it always sparks sweet, thoughtful conversations before sleep.
RanuReviewed on Amazon in the United Kingdom

★★★★★

From a book reading

The book guided me on a meaningful journey to finding a newborn name rooted in nature, rich with beauty and significance. I would recommend them to expecting parents and it would be perfect gift to them too.
PriyaTeacher

★★★★★

Great story for personal reflections with family

I love how this book weaves traditional knowledge and imagery for a wholesome storyline. I especially loved how the book subtly confronts gender norms, with the farmer being female :) The discussion questions at the end of the book allow the reader keep the conversation flowing.
ThanuReviewed on Amazon in Canada

★★★★★

Such a sweet book. Highly recommended!

My child absolutely adores this book and its wonderful characters. Reading it together has become one of our favorite moments. … We went to the zoo recently, and when my little one saw the pelicans, he called out “Aishwany!” It was such a sweet moment that showed how much the story stayed with him.
NMWReviewed on Amazon in Singapore

★★★★★

Sweet sweet story

This was such a sweet little book. I can actually see the little girl that she’s talking about! Beautiful words and beautiful pictures. I feel so much love in this book.
ChrisReviewed on Amazon in Canada

★★★★★

A great children’s book

This book is more than a bedtime story. It’s a celebration of cultural pride and imagination. Whether you’re reading it with a child or exploring it solo, In Search of Little One’s Name offers a heartwarming experience that lingers long after the last page.
AndrewReviewed on Amazon in Canada

★★★★★

My daughter loves it

In Search of Little One’s Name is a joyful celebration of identity and belonging. … The vibrant illustrations and playful storytelling make it engaging for little ones, while offering families a keepsake that bridges learning, connection, and pride in who we are.
Amazon CustomerReviewed on Amazon in Canada

★★★★★

Great book!

Great book! I got it as a gift for a baby shower for Indian- SriLankan friends and it felt very personalized and unique.
SumanjanReviewed on Amazon in Canada

★★★★★

Amazing book

In Search of Little One’s Name is a gentle, imaginative picture book that unites wonder, culture, and emotional warmth; it is perfect for young children at bedtime. … The book is both thought-provoking and soothing to produce a sense of calmness and inspire curiosity and imagination in children and parents.
DevReviewed on Amazon in India
Portrait of author Nadeesha Jayasinghe, smiling, in front of a shelf of children's books.

About the author

Nadeesha Jayasinghe

Born in Sri Lanka, raised in Canada, and now living in Singapore, Nadeesha identifies as a third-culture kid, and it’s this that shapes his worldview and inspires his storytelling.

With his debut children’s book, In Search of Little One’s Name, Nadeesha explores a South Asian naming tradition through a captivating fantasy tale, weaving together culture and imagination, making it a must-read for young adventurers.