Joyful Song

Starred review from February 26, 2024
In this picture book look at contemporary Jewish life, Newman (The Fairest in the Land) and Gal (Dear Stray) focus on a synagogue baby-naming ceremony. Young Zachary and his moms walk with their newborn through a bustling neighborhood to the synagogue, inviting the neighbors they encounter to come along. Everyone they meet wants to know what the infant is called, but as Mama, portrayed with pink skin, and Mommy, portrayed with brown skin like the couple’s children, subtly remind their son, the “real” name won’t be made known until the ceremony itself. Instead, the family responds with newly minted nicknames: Little Babka, Shayneh Maideleh (“beautiful girl”). Zachary soon has the honor of announcing the baby’s name to the whole congregation: he notes “My sister opens her eyes and stretches out her little hand as though she wants to pull her name right out of my mouth” before revealing, “Aliza Shira which means ‘joyful song.’ ” Radiant artwork has soft pencil and crayon textures and tissue-paper–like layers of bright colors, capturing the coziness of Zachary’s home, their neighborhood’s tropical setting, and the sacred space where a loving, variously inclusive community has gathered to welcome their newest member. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown Ltd. Illustrator’s agent: Gail Gaynin, Morgan Gaynin.

March 1, 2024
A Jewish family takes their newest addition to a baby-naming ceremony on her first Shabbat. Mommy, Mama, and young Zachary walk the new baby to the synagogue, greeting friends. Zachary pushes the carriage as people ask the baby's name. Zachary's bursting to tell, but Mommy and Mama remind Zachary that the name won't be announced until the ceremony. For now, Mama tells Miss Fukumi that they call the baby "Little Babka," because she's the size of one--"and just as sweet," Zachary adds. Mommy tells Mr. Baraka that the girl is called "Shayneh Maideleh." Zachary says, "That's a nickname that means beautiful girl." And Zachary tells Mrs. Santiago that they call the baby "Snuggle Bunny." Miss Fukumi, Mr. Baraka, and Mrs. Santiago are invited to the ceremony, where the family presents the baby to the female rabbi for the blessings. Zachary finally announces the baby's name: "Aliza Shira which means 'joyful song.'" Featuring vibrant colors, cozy details, and exuberantly swooping brushwork, the illustrations pair perfectly with the text, which has a folkloric feel, the family listing three nicknames and offering three invitations. Both words and art brim with warmth; the love and support in this diverse community are palpable. Mama has golden skin and wavy dark hair, Mommy is tan-skinned and has a short Afro, and their children are brown-skinned, with black curly hair. A soaring ode to community, tradition, and family. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-6)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 1, 2024
It's Zachary's baby sister's first Shabbat, and the whole family is on their way to the synagogue for her naming ceremony. As they bump into people throughout their diverse neighborhood, a sweet pattern emerges: a neighbor asks the baby's name; Zachary is bursting to tell, but the family answers with a nickname (e.g., "Little Babka"), since her real name won't be announced until the ceremony; the neighbor is then invited along. At the ceremony itself, in which Zachary plays an active role, the happy suspense culminates in the reveal of an aptly chosen name. This welcome, positive, inclusive story (the family is interracial and has two mothers) portrays a child infectiously excited about a new sister and about a Jewish ritual. Vibrant illustrations depict a synagogue bathed in warmth and light through stained-glass windows and a cheerful neighborhood complete with palm trees and colorful flora; even a rainstorm doesn't break the joyful mood. An author's note discusses the varied traditions around Jewish baby-naming ceremonies. Shoshana Flax

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

May 15, 2024
This heartwarming picture book portrays a loving family celebrating the arrival of a new baby sister. Illustrated by vibrant watercolors in warm, glowing hues, the story follows a family of two moms and their young son one Shabbat as they walk through their neighborhood toward the synagogue, where they'll officially announce the baby's name. Along the way, they are stopped by curious neighbors eager to learn the baby's name, prompting the family to share their adorable nicknames for her and invite each neighbor to the ceremony. Soon, the family has a little parade of neighbors following them. This charming tale captures the joy and excitement of welcoming a new addition to the family while also highlighting the warmth of community and Jewish tradition. The colorful illustrations add depth and richness to the story, depicting the dynamic diversity of the neighborhood and the love that surrounds the family. A loving tale that beautifully celebrates of family, faith, and the bonds that unite us.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from November 22, 2024

PreS-Gr 3-In a book whose pages sing with rainbow smudges, swirls of watercolor, and crowds of ebullient folk on their way to a Jewish naming ceremony, readers meet narrator Zachary's family. He has a newborn baby sister, two moms with different shades of brown skin, and they are leaving their cozy digs to stroll over to the synagogue. Neighbors playfully pry for the baby's name: Miss Fukumi, watering her roses, side-eyes Zachary, and he almost answers. "Little Babka," his mother supplies for him. As other neighbors in this multicultural community join this momentous walk, more names are put forth, each one unique: Shayneh, Maideleh, Snuggle Bunny. All of them agree on one fact: that babies are precious. At the synagogue, the name is revealed; there are mazel tovs to go around as well as an adios or two as the neighbors return to their homes and family. Gal's art leads with joy, too, for every spread shows a different aspect of a community, from parks and green spaces to apartment buildings of a small scale. Everyone is overflowing with good will and happiness. This should be a story-hour favorite, but more, it sets a standard for inclusivity that highlights the invisible ties that bind people to one another. VERDICT A new sibling book of a different stripe, to cherish and reread; despite the sacred, tender ceremony at its center, the story welcomes all to participate in a small moment writ large.-Kimberly Olson Fakih

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2024
It's Zachary's baby sister's first Shabbat, and the whole family is on their way to the synagogue for her naming ceremony. As they bump into people throughout their diverse neighborhood, a sweet pattern emerges: a neighbor asks the baby's name; Zachary is bursting to tell, but the family answers with a nickname (e.g., "Little Babka"), since her real name won't be announced until the ceremony; the neighbor is then invited along. At the ceremony itself, in which Zachary plays an active role, the happy suspense culminates in the reveal of an aptly chosen name. This welcome, positive, inclusive story (the family is interracial and has two mothers) portrays a child infectiously excited about a new sister and about a Jewish ritual. Vibrant illustrations depict a synagogue bathed in warmth and light through stained-glass windows and a cheerful neighborhood complete with palm trees and colorful flora; even a rainstorm doesn't break the joyful mood. An author's note discusses the varied traditions around Jewish baby-naming ceremonies.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)