[crookedbook Posts: 133 Status: Offline WWW]

I can't decide between Jack or Wally for my PB's main character. He's a normal but perserverant little guy. What does your gut say? My gut says ask the writers on Verla Kay....LOL!

[AnnH Posts: 1,524 Status: Offline I love to read and write! WWW]

Since I read Stone Soup in the comics, I think of Wally as being a pudgy, balding middle-aged guy, so I vote for Jack. 

[carterhiggins Posts: 52 Status: Offline K-6 librarian, PB/MG author, blogger WWW]

I love Wally!

[amberturner Posts: 151 Status: Offline WWW]

I think Leave it to Beaver with Wally. Which isn't bad.

I like them both.

[ButterflyGirl Posts: 511 Status: Offline @kidlitSarah sarahfloydbooks.com]

Jack seems more plucky and relatable...Wally might be a touch dorky, or pudgy. Also, Jack sounds more contemporary. My 2 cents. 

[dewsanddamps Posts: 2,936 Status: Offline]

Wally will be harder for most kids to pronounce.

[KatieC Posts: 154 Status: Offline WWW]

Jack's got my vote, too. I relate Wally with "Wally World" from The National Lampoon's Family Vacation, and John Candy as the park security guard. Definitely a tad dorky.  :

[MysteryRobin Posts: 810 Status: Offline]

They seem like very different names for very different personalities. I'd need to read your book!
I think heroes are often named Jack (Bauer, Reacher, Shepherd...) and Wally seems more like the likeable goof, that could end up being heroic, but isn't how you first think of him.

[HDWestlund Posts: 1,300 Status: Offline writer and bookseller]

I was bullied regularly by a Wally when I was a child, so I prefer Jack, of course. But on a more practical note: Do you have a rhyme, meter, or sound-palette for your story? That might help you decide what fits best, since the names roll off the tongue very differently.

[mlbrown Posts: 149 Status: Offline WWW]

Jack wins my vote, but then, my youngest son is Jack, so I may be prejudiced.

[crookedbook Posts: 133 Status: Offline WWW]

It's a non-rhyming PB so rhyme and meter are less important, though it does have a certain "sound" to it - both names work in that sense. I'm just trying to determine what kind of image each name evokes. Your comments are helping! (mlbrown - my nephew and 4 of my friends have boys named Jack, must be something in the water! It is a great name)

[Kell Posts: 1,408 Status: Offline On the other hand WWW]

I like Wally -- more unique. It's true that it would be hard for some young children to say.

[Donna J. Shepherd Posts: 1,091 Status: Offline Ava's Secret Tea Party WWW]

I like Wally -- more unique. It's true that it would be hard for some young children to say.

Might be good practice though! One of my books has a LOT of s's in it, and I've heard from parents who appreciated that to help with their children's language skills. 

[Susan Posts: 218 Status: Offline WWW]

It's a non-rhyming PB so rhyme and meter are less important, though it does have a certain "sound" to it - both names work in that sense. I'm just trying to determine what kind of image each name evokes. Your comments are helping! (mlbrown - my nephew and 4 of my friends have boys named Jack, must be something in the water! It is a great name)

To me, Jack sounds sharp, clever, quick, incisive, and he's often the hero. To me the very sound of the name is like the sound of a match being struck. (Lots of associations with nursery rhymes and fairy tales, I guess.)

And the feel I get from Wally is rounder and slower, possibly wonderful--but not strikingly so. The sound reminds me of warmth, but also of rounder, meandering, or mushy things--like walruses and wallowing and swallowing and wandering.   

[KMT Posts: 84 Status: Offline]

Wally also brings to mind "Wall-E," which may or may not be a helpful association!

[mlbrown Posts: 149 Status: Offline WWW]

Jack is also a kind of "Everyman" name (or everboy, in this instance.) "Every man Jack of them."

It is still a popular name. In our case the actual name is Jacob, but we call him Jack after his great-grandfather. So if you want less common, Wally would be the choice. Kids may associate that name with Wall-E the Disney robot, who is both innocent and heroic.

Just saw the above post, which I second.

[mrh Posts: 4,687 Status: Offline www.marciahoehne.com WWW]

My first impression is that the names suggest very different people. I have trouble seeing these as two alternatives for the same person.

As far as freshness, I'd go with Wally. Jack gives me the impression as being overdone. Almost as if Jack is the new Billy -- the first name we reach for.

[crookedbook Posts: 133 Status: Offline WWW]

I'm going with Wally - it suits the character better and I just like it more. Your comments and suggestions really helped. Thanks!

[Kurtis Posts: 407 Status: Offline WWW]

Didn't read through the thread... my feeling is that there are lots of Jacks already, fewer Wallys. But pick whatever feels right.

[Wonky Posts: 404 Status: Offline]

Why Wally? That name sounds old to me.

[Mrs. Jones Posts: 1,846 Status: Online]

I'm going with Wally - it suits the character better and I just like it more.

This is the bottom line. He's in YOUR head, and you know him best.

When an editor acquires the ms, you will get plenty of input about whether the name works, or not. So for now, just as you said, go with the one that suits the character. Plus you like it best.

[EmeraldGown Posts: 1,009 Status: Offline Rock Your Destiny! WWW]

I vote for Wally only because it's far less common as an MC name.  You can make it popular again with your amazing book about a Wally.  :-)

[Ruth Donnelly Posts: 699 Status: Offline WWW]

Jack is a very common MC name. But, as others have said, Wally evokes a completely different image. Are those your only two choices? Take a look at Nymbler.com, and plug in "Jack" and "Wally" as inspirations. Maybe you'll see something you love even more!

[crookedbook Posts: 133 Status: Offline WWW]

That website is awesome - thank you RuthD!!!

[Lill Posts: 652 Status: Offline]

Too many Jacks. Go for Wally.

[AmyD Posts: 159 Status: Offline WWW]

I agree that there are too many Jacks. To me, Wally stands out as more unique.

[AuntyBooks Posts: 622 Status: Offline AKA Kersten Hamilton WWW]

I have a younger mg Wally series  coming out next year.... I clearly love the name!

eab

[Schriscoe Posts: 2,759 Status: Offline www.sharonchriscoebooks.com WWW]

I agree too many Jacks...go with Wally. I like that name, it is different.

[CaroleB]

      Bernard.

[Wonky Posts: 404 Status: Offline]

      Bernard.

This!