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Joyful Song: A Naming Story
What a happy day! Zachary’s baby sister will have her naming ceremony. In the temple! With his moms, the congregation, and all their friends! He’s so excited he can barely contain it. On the walk from their home, they meet neighbor after neighbor who want to know the baby’s name. But – not yet! – his mothers tell him. The tradition is to have a great reveal at the ceremony. So they invite each neighbor to come along. A colorful, diverse parade blooms along the route, until…At last it’s time, and Zachary gets to reveal his sister’s name…What is it? A truly joyful moment for everyone.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2024
About the author
Lesléa Newman
101 books239 followersLesléa Newman (born 1955, Brooklyn, NY) is the author of over 50 books including Heather Has Two Mommies, A Letter To Harvey Milk, Writing From The Heart, In Every Laugh a Tear, The Femme Mystique, Still Life with Buddy, Fat Chance and Out of the Closet and Nothing to Wear.
She has received many literary awards including Poetry Fellowships from the Massachusetts Artists Fellowship Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award, the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement, and two Pushcart Prize Nominations.
Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award finalists.
Ms. Newman wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children's book to portray lesbian families in a positive way, and has followed up this pioneering work with several more children's books on lesbian and gay families: Gloria Goes To Gay Pride, Belinda's Bouquet, Too Far Away to Touch, and Saturday Is Pattyday.
She is also the author of many books for adults that deal with lesbian identity, Jewish identity and the intersection and collision between the two. Other topics Ms. Newman explores include AIDS, eating disorders, butch/femme relationships and sexual abuse. Her award-winning short story, A Letter To Harvey Milk has been made into a film and adapted for the stage.
In addition to being an author, Ms. Newman is a popular guest lecturer, and has spoken on college campuses across the country including Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Oregon, Bryn Mawr College, Smith College and the University of Judaism. From 2005-2009, Lesléa was a faculty member of the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine. Currently, she is the Poet Laureate of Northampton, MA.
She has received many literary awards including Poetry Fellowships from the Massachusetts Artists Fellowship Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award, the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement, and two Pushcart Prize Nominations.
Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award finalists.
Ms. Newman wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children's book to portray lesbian families in a positive way, and has followed up this pioneering work with several more children's books on lesbian and gay families: Gloria Goes To Gay Pride, Belinda's Bouquet, Too Far Away to Touch, and Saturday Is Pattyday.
She is also the author of many books for adults that deal with lesbian identity, Jewish identity and the intersection and collision between the two. Other topics Ms. Newman explores include AIDS, eating disorders, butch/femme relationships and sexual abuse. Her award-winning short story, A Letter To Harvey Milk has been made into a film and adapted for the stage.
In addition to being an author, Ms. Newman is a popular guest lecturer, and has spoken on college campuses across the country including Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Oregon, Bryn Mawr College, Smith College and the University of Judaism. From 2005-2009, Lesléa was a faculty member of the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine. Currently, she is the Poet Laureate of Northampton, MA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 2, 2024
I loved it! The colorful artwork is gorgeous! I've always been interested in names and the meanings behind them, so I was naturally curious to read this book about naming a new baby after reading a review here on Goodreads. Thankfully the eBook was available to download via my library.
I loved learning the assorted affectionate names they used for her before her official, and beautiful, name is announced by her brother at her naming ceremony.
I loved learning the assorted affectionate names they used for her before her official, and beautiful, name is announced by her brother at her naming ceremony.
July 18, 2024
A beautifully illustrated story of a Jewish baby naming.
It's beautiful to see people of all different backgrounds at shul, but honestly, 80% of Jews in the United States are actually ethnically and ancestrally Ashkenazi Jews, who like all ethnic Jews have shared DNA connecting all of us to our ancestral and indigenous homeland in Eretz Yisroel, be they from Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, Maghrebi, Teimani, Ethiopian, Bene Israel, Bene Menashe, or other historical diasporic communities. Ashkenazi Jews may be conditionally "white passing," but have been persecuted because we are not European, and like other indigenous groups that have religious elements, such as Hindus, Japanese Shinto, and Native American nations, we are a closed practice with mostly shared ethnicities.
It's beautiful to see people of all different backgrounds at shul, but honestly, 80% of Jews in the United States are actually ethnically and ancestrally Ashkenazi Jews, who like all ethnic Jews have shared DNA connecting all of us to our ancestral and indigenous homeland in Eretz Yisroel, be they from Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, Maghrebi, Teimani, Ethiopian, Bene Israel, Bene Menashe, or other historical diasporic communities. Ashkenazi Jews may be conditionally "white passing," but have been persecuted because we are not European, and like other indigenous groups that have religious elements, such as Hindus, Japanese Shinto, and Native American nations, we are a closed practice with mostly shared ethnicities.
July 18, 2024
Many names have a story. What is the story behind your name?
Leslea Newman's "Joyful Song" is as cute as a baby and Susan Gal's colorful illustrations are beautiful. This is a sweet story about the Jewish custom of a naming ceremony. Zachary and his mothers have deeded to follow the custom of keeping the baby's name secret until her naming ceremony when she is welcomed as the newest member of the congregation When they walk to the synagogue, all the neighbors want to know her name. Zachery is bursting at the seems to tell them, but the mothers always answer with a nick name and the story behind it. The neighbors end up joining them at the synagogue. There we learn the little girl's name and the reason it was chosen.
Sometimes names are chosen just because the parent likes it. Often it is because of the time or season when the child is born. Sometimes a child is named after a loved one or someone famous. This lovely book is a sweet story that might encourage families to share the stories behind their names.
This book may be about a Jewish custom, but the theme can be appreciated by anyone. I also like the LGBT representation of same gender parents in a picture book. This helps show children that loving parents can be found in all types of families.
Leslea Newman's "Joyful Song" is as cute as a baby and Susan Gal's colorful illustrations are beautiful. This is a sweet story about the Jewish custom of a naming ceremony. Zachary and his mothers have deeded to follow the custom of keeping the baby's name secret until her naming ceremony when she is welcomed as the newest member of the congregation When they walk to the synagogue, all the neighbors want to know her name. Zachery is bursting at the seems to tell them, but the mothers always answer with a nick name and the story behind it. The neighbors end up joining them at the synagogue. There we learn the little girl's name and the reason it was chosen.
Sometimes names are chosen just because the parent likes it. Often it is because of the time or season when the child is born. Sometimes a child is named after a loved one or someone famous. This lovely book is a sweet story that might encourage families to share the stories behind their names.
This book may be about a Jewish custom, but the theme can be appreciated by anyone. I also like the LGBT representation of same gender parents in a picture book. This helps show children that loving parents can be found in all types of families.
March 19, 2024
Need some happiness in your week? This book is brimming with love and joy and color! In JOYFUL SONG: A NAMING STORY, little Zachary and his moms are on their way to the temple to name their new baby. Along the way, they meet their neighbors who ask Zachary what his new baby’s name is. But Zachary has learned the Jewish tradition that a baby’s name is a secret until the big reveal during Shabbat services. For now, they give their baby funny and sweet nicknames like “Little Babka” and “Shayneh Maideleh.” The neighbors join this joyful parade to temple, where we learn the baby’s real and meaningful name. Lovely text by Leslea’ Newman, with the most stunning, joyful illustrations by the incomparable Susan Gal, bring this story to life. One more sweet detail: The Hebrew calligraphy in the Author’s Note is by my talented friend Nehama Edinger. 🙂 A perfect book to welcome spring and every new baby. Enjoy!
June 24, 2024
Leslea Newman has done it, again! She has created a wonderfully diverse story of a family excited to welcome their daughter to the community with a naming ceremony. The family is walking to Shabbat services and as they are greeted by neighbors the son, now big brother, is inviting them to come along. On the Bimah his sister's name will be spoken in public for the first time. The joy is palpable and the support of the community for this celebration of life is stunning. Yes, it brought me to tears.
Kudos to Leslea Newman and Susan Gal for this book, Joyful Song! It is perfect!
Kudos to Leslea Newman and Susan Gal for this book, Joyful Song! It is perfect!
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May 13, 2024This review first appeared on my website BookishlyJewish Check it out for similar content.
Naming a character is a tricky piece of work. Sometimes the name magically reveals itself to me along with the character. Like most magic, this is rare. The rest of the time, I spend days flipping between different names, calling the character INSERT NAME in the manuscript, or pointing randomly to a phone book. In one memorable scenario, I asked to use a name from my critique partner's childhood imagination. She was kind of shocked when this choice survived the drafting, editing, and submitting process, but I had grown rather attached to the name at that point (probably because it reminded me of her and she is awesome). In Joyful Song, written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Susan Gal, the main character faces a similar conundrum. Only INSERT NAME isn't really an option, because little Zachary is on his way to the Synagogue with his two mothers to name his baby sister.
Turns out, the name has already been chosen, but as is tradition in many Jewish communities, it is not be used until it is officially bestowed before the congregation and the Torah in Synagogue. This leads to some hilarity as the family meets various community members along the way who inquire after the baby. To prevent Zachary from accidentally spilling the beans, his mothers interrupt him with cute nicknames for the baby. The neighbors are invited to join the ceremony, forming a bit of a procession, and on the way back home there is a fun repetition as they are dropped off in reverse order.
I especially enjoyed the melding of old tradition with new concepts found in the book. Although specific naming traditions vary across communities, many do have the custom not to use the name until it is officially bestowed in Synagogue. Indeed, there is some lore that indicates the giving of a name is the last vestige of prophecy left to us after the destruction of the temple. In naming a child, you partially determine or foretell their future. God speaks through the namer.
The choice to make the baby in the book assigned female at birth allows Newman to showcase some newer aspects of Jewish tradition. The naming of those assigned male at birth has always been a bit of a hoopla, because it occurs at the circumcision which is a large ritual followed by a feast. Girls, on the other hand, were named in front of the Torah ark on the days it was routinely taken out for the standard weekly readings. There were some special songs, I especially enjoy the sephardic one that references the Yonah - the dove, but it was not generally associated with a large communal gathering or party. It was a regular day of services at Synagogue. Each child has always been viewed as a gift, but these days people want to show that by also having a large celebration for a baby girl - just as large as her brother would have gotten. That celebration has taken different forms in different communities, with the baby girl naming ceremony becoming more and more popular.
Also notable are the guests at this event. Although the book does not specify, it can be inferred that many of the neighbors that inquire after the baby and come for the naming ceremony are not Jewish. Or at the very least, they are not from the same congregation and therefore not familiar with the ceremony and custom not to use the baby's name until it is officially given. This is interesting on two levels - the first being that the family feels comfortable and friendly towards these people to the point where they invite them along. The second being that the neighbors actually accept that invitation and agree that the child is a blessing. This may seem fairly routine and normal, but it was not so long ago that every Jewish baby was thought of as a scourge upon the Earth by their non-Jewish neighbors, a thing to be destroyed and loathed, not a living, breathing, manifestation of joy. The model of community openness and mutual respect and understanding displayed here means so much to me right now, and I hope the spirit in which it was written can survive.
I don't review picture books that often, but this year to accommodate reader feedback we are making a huge push to increase offerings across all genres on the website (my apologies to the horror fans, I struggle the most with that one). It appears I am not as much of a novice as I thought though, because the moment Joyful Song hit my hands I immediately recognized the illustrations. They were so full of vibrancy, diversity, and just this feeling of what modern Judaism encapsulates for me that I had to look up the illustrator and see if I was correct. Indeed I was! Susan Gal has also illustrated my personal favorite picture book, (also written by Newman! what a dream team!), Here is the World, which for a long time was one of the few picture books up on BookishlyJewish because of how moved I was by those illustrations. It filled me with such a great sense of joy to encounter her illustrations again.
Joyful Song is a sweet story, not just for those welcoming a new child into their home, but for anyone looking to see a community practice equality and openness. It is a book of optimism, and isn't that the perfect feeling with which each new child should be welcomed? I won't ruin the story by revealing the name, but let's just say whoever chose it did an excellent job. No scouring through a phone book needed.
BookishlyJewish received an arc of this book from the publisher after they filled out our Suggest a Book Form.
Naming a character is a tricky piece of work. Sometimes the name magically reveals itself to me along with the character. Like most magic, this is rare. The rest of the time, I spend days flipping between different names, calling the character INSERT NAME in the manuscript, or pointing randomly to a phone book. In one memorable scenario, I asked to use a name from my critique partner's childhood imagination. She was kind of shocked when this choice survived the drafting, editing, and submitting process, but I had grown rather attached to the name at that point (probably because it reminded me of her and she is awesome). In Joyful Song, written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Susan Gal, the main character faces a similar conundrum. Only INSERT NAME isn't really an option, because little Zachary is on his way to the Synagogue with his two mothers to name his baby sister.
Turns out, the name has already been chosen, but as is tradition in many Jewish communities, it is not be used until it is officially bestowed before the congregation and the Torah in Synagogue. This leads to some hilarity as the family meets various community members along the way who inquire after the baby. To prevent Zachary from accidentally spilling the beans, his mothers interrupt him with cute nicknames for the baby. The neighbors are invited to join the ceremony, forming a bit of a procession, and on the way back home there is a fun repetition as they are dropped off in reverse order.
I especially enjoyed the melding of old tradition with new concepts found in the book. Although specific naming traditions vary across communities, many do have the custom not to use the name until it is officially bestowed in Synagogue. Indeed, there is some lore that indicates the giving of a name is the last vestige of prophecy left to us after the destruction of the temple. In naming a child, you partially determine or foretell their future. God speaks through the namer.
The choice to make the baby in the book assigned female at birth allows Newman to showcase some newer aspects of Jewish tradition. The naming of those assigned male at birth has always been a bit of a hoopla, because it occurs at the circumcision which is a large ritual followed by a feast. Girls, on the other hand, were named in front of the Torah ark on the days it was routinely taken out for the standard weekly readings. There were some special songs, I especially enjoy the sephardic one that references the Yonah - the dove, but it was not generally associated with a large communal gathering or party. It was a regular day of services at Synagogue. Each child has always been viewed as a gift, but these days people want to show that by also having a large celebration for a baby girl - just as large as her brother would have gotten. That celebration has taken different forms in different communities, with the baby girl naming ceremony becoming more and more popular.
Also notable are the guests at this event. Although the book does not specify, it can be inferred that many of the neighbors that inquire after the baby and come for the naming ceremony are not Jewish. Or at the very least, they are not from the same congregation and therefore not familiar with the ceremony and custom not to use the baby's name until it is officially given. This is interesting on two levels - the first being that the family feels comfortable and friendly towards these people to the point where they invite them along. The second being that the neighbors actually accept that invitation and agree that the child is a blessing. This may seem fairly routine and normal, but it was not so long ago that every Jewish baby was thought of as a scourge upon the Earth by their non-Jewish neighbors, a thing to be destroyed and loathed, not a living, breathing, manifestation of joy. The model of community openness and mutual respect and understanding displayed here means so much to me right now, and I hope the spirit in which it was written can survive.
I don't review picture books that often, but this year to accommodate reader feedback we are making a huge push to increase offerings across all genres on the website (my apologies to the horror fans, I struggle the most with that one). It appears I am not as much of a novice as I thought though, because the moment Joyful Song hit my hands I immediately recognized the illustrations. They were so full of vibrancy, diversity, and just this feeling of what modern Judaism encapsulates for me that I had to look up the illustrator and see if I was correct. Indeed I was! Susan Gal has also illustrated my personal favorite picture book, (also written by Newman! what a dream team!), Here is the World, which for a long time was one of the few picture books up on BookishlyJewish because of how moved I was by those illustrations. It filled me with such a great sense of joy to encounter her illustrations again.
Joyful Song is a sweet story, not just for those welcoming a new child into their home, but for anyone looking to see a community practice equality and openness. It is a book of optimism, and isn't that the perfect feeling with which each new child should be welcomed? I won't ruin the story by revealing the name, but let's just say whoever chose it did an excellent job. No scouring through a phone book needed.
BookishlyJewish received an arc of this book from the publisher after they filled out our Suggest a Book Form.
July 13, 2024
The story of a baby girl’s naming ceremony in a vibrantly diverse community, lovingly portrayed.
April 5, 2024
Illustrations done with watercolor, colored pencil, paint digitally overlaid using Photoshop make this book stand out in a vibrant way. The bright colors help to convey the joy felt as a family celebrates the naming of their newest member in a ceremony in the neighborhood synagogue. As the two moms and older brother walk to the synagogue, they are joined by neighbors alongs the way, all eager to hear the baby’s name. Naming conventions and illustrations imply Hispanic, Black and other backgrounds and the rabbi who officiates is a woman. Truly an inclusive book by Leslea Newman, the author of Welcoming Elijah, Heather Has Two Mommies and Here is the World, and award winning illustrator Susan Gal. Target age for JOYFUL SONG is likely preschool through grade 2.
Thanks for sharing an early copy with me, Levine Querido.
Thanks for sharing an early copy with me, Levine Querido.
June 30, 2024
This is such a delightfully colorful book about the Jewish tradition of naming a baby. I love learning new things, and I love the diversity of the characters in this story and how the little boy Zachary is so proud to push his new sister in the baby stroller around the small village on the way to the Synagogue, where there is going to be a special naming ceremony. Everyone wants to see the baby and know her name; since they can't say her name until the ceremony, little Zachary asks everyone if they would like to go to the synagogue. Everyone is excited and wants to be part of this precious, joyous time.
I loved seeing the long line of followers snaking behind the two moms and Zachery all the way through town. It was like a spontaneous parade. Every page in this book is a joy to read and a feast for the eyes, thanks to Susan's fabulous creations. She captured the whimsical feeling of a special spiritual moment in time. The colors are soft and reverent while still being colorful and bright.
I was happy to see the author leave a note at the end of the book to help everyone understand a baby-naming ceremony, which is a time of great joy. To celebrate a boy’s birth, many families hold a ceremony called a b’rit milah in their home on the eighth day after he is born. Many families celebrate a girl’s birth with a ceremony known by several names—b’rit bat, b’rit chayim, or simchat bat—which takes place either in their home or synagogue during a Shabbat service shortly after she is born. Some parents keep the baby’s name a secret until these ceremonies occur.
During the baby-naming ceremony, the family can explain how the baby’s name was chosen. Blessings are said for the baby’s well-being, and she is welcomed into the community. After the ceremony, a light meal is often served. It is traditional to wish the family “Mazel Tov” on the birth of their new child. This is shown in the book. You don't have to be Jewish to love this book. Parents will be happy to introduce other cultures to celebrate their new child. I feel this book could be used to interact with your child and open the door for a discussion of what other families do in their religion and talk about how they chose the name for their child and tell their own story to treasure and repeat the story to others as the years go by.
I loved seeing the long line of followers snaking behind the two moms and Zachery all the way through town. It was like a spontaneous parade. Every page in this book is a joy to read and a feast for the eyes, thanks to Susan's fabulous creations. She captured the whimsical feeling of a special spiritual moment in time. The colors are soft and reverent while still being colorful and bright.
I was happy to see the author leave a note at the end of the book to help everyone understand a baby-naming ceremony, which is a time of great joy. To celebrate a boy’s birth, many families hold a ceremony called a b’rit milah in their home on the eighth day after he is born. Many families celebrate a girl’s birth with a ceremony known by several names—b’rit bat, b’rit chayim, or simchat bat—which takes place either in their home or synagogue during a Shabbat service shortly after she is born. Some parents keep the baby’s name a secret until these ceremonies occur.
During the baby-naming ceremony, the family can explain how the baby’s name was chosen. Blessings are said for the baby’s well-being, and she is welcomed into the community. After the ceremony, a light meal is often served. It is traditional to wish the family “Mazel Tov” on the birth of their new child. This is shown in the book. You don't have to be Jewish to love this book. Parents will be happy to introduce other cultures to celebrate their new child. I feel this book could be used to interact with your child and open the door for a discussion of what other families do in their religion and talk about how they chose the name for their child and tell their own story to treasure and repeat the story to others as the years go by.
July 28, 2024
WOW this art! (*♡∀♡)
This book is as colorful as it is diverse. (+ The neighborhoody city feel is very cute!)
Joyful Song is about Jewish baby naming traditions and it reminded me of Naming Ceremony, which I just read about West African baby naming traditions. Like Naming Ceremony, Joyful Song has a note at the end of the book explaining Jewish baby naming practices which retroactively explains what's happening throughout the whole book. I'm familiar with these practices, but I think for someone who isn't, the story could have been stronger (clearer) if there had been something in the text to make what was happening "understandable" at the beginning of the story and not just at the end. No need to make it a mystery IMO.
4 stars.
This book is as colorful as it is diverse. (+ The neighborhoody city feel is very cute!)
Joyful Song is about Jewish baby naming traditions and it reminded me of Naming Ceremony, which I just read about West African baby naming traditions. Like Naming Ceremony, Joyful Song has a note at the end of the book explaining Jewish baby naming practices which retroactively explains what's happening throughout the whole book. I'm familiar with these practices, but I think for someone who isn't, the story could have been stronger (clearer) if there had been something in the text to make what was happening "understandable" at the beginning of the story and not just at the end. No need to make it a mystery IMO.
4 stars.
August 28, 2024
I love the artwork!. The vibrancy, the fun, it simply jumps off the page. It's so colorful with so much energy. YES! I say. I love this.
The artwork is done in watercolors. She did something to it and then did pencil drawings over it. It's layered. The effect is awesome.
The story is nice too. It's Sabbat for this Jewish household and then are walking to synagog with their newborn sister for her naming ceremony. They meet many people along the way asking the baby girls name. They don't tell them, only invite them to the ceremony. It's like an advertisement for the name. They name their baby on the 8th day.
Here's a hint, the title of the book is the meaning of the name, not the name itself.
This story is all about community. We see the community of different people who are still neighbors. We see them all come together in joy at their newest member.
The artwork is done in watercolors. She did something to it and then did pencil drawings over it. It's layered. The effect is awesome.
The story is nice too. It's Sabbat for this Jewish household and then are walking to synagog with their newborn sister for her naming ceremony. They meet many people along the way asking the baby girls name. They don't tell them, only invite them to the ceremony. It's like an advertisement for the name. They name their baby on the 8th day.
Here's a hint, the title of the book is the meaning of the name, not the name itself.
This story is all about community. We see the community of different people who are still neighbors. We see them all come together in joy at their newest member.
May 6, 2024
Zachary’s little sister is going to have her naming ceremony today. He’s almost overcome with excitement. He and his two moms push his sister’s carriage through their neighborhood on the way to the synagogue. Every neighbor they encounter along the way asks “what is her name?” but Zachary, though very tempted, doesn’t share. Instead, he asks “Want to come with us to the naming ceremony?” Everyone is delighted to attend and soon a vibrantly illustrated parade of diverse friends enter the synagogue to celebrate Zachary’s sister, Aliza Shira, meaning Joyful Song.
This inclusive, sweet story offers insight into the Jewish tradition of the naming ceremony and the importance of community. It would make a wonderful baby gift.
This inclusive, sweet story offers insight into the Jewish tradition of the naming ceremony and the importance of community. It would make a wonderful baby gift.
August 9, 2024
Joyful indeed! I love the Jewish tradition of hearing of a new baby and then waiting to find out the name in this day and age of technology giving us so much information ahead of time. This beautiful book brings the whole community together as Zachary and his moms head to the synagogue for his little sister's naming ceremony where her name will be revealed for the first time. When friends and neighbors along the way ask what the baby's name is, Zachary needs to keep the secret just a little bit longer ... so of course they share wonderful nicknames instead including "Shayneh Maideleh,"my personal favorite because it means beautiful girl but I love the way it's explained in the story. And a shoutout to illustrator Susan Gal who created an amazing color palette and captured the vibrance of the characters.
August 13, 2024
A truly beautiful book about a community coming together at the synagogue for a naming ceremony. The author is "own-voices" in two senses of that word, she is a Lesbian (as the mothers in the book are) and Jewish (as the family in the book is).
These illustrations, wow, this is wonderful use of Photoshop/digitally creating art. It's a combination of watercolor, pencil drawings, and painted textures layered together to create something beautiful. I love the artist's use of detail to denote focus on certain parts of each illustration. It really draws the eye. The colors are also gorgeous and vibrant.
These illustrations, wow, this is wonderful use of Photoshop/digitally creating art. It's a combination of watercolor, pencil drawings, and painted textures layered together to create something beautiful. I love the artist's use of detail to denote focus on certain parts of each illustration. It really draws the eye. The colors are also gorgeous and vibrant.
May 8, 2024
a very sweet naming-tradition book, this one following two moms and the baby girl's older brother as they stroll toward the synagogue. Their neighborhood is full of friendship and life: engaging and lively as they collect friends to join them for the baby's naming ceremony/announcement.
I love the playfulness, too, as the brother struggles to keep the name secret until it is time. They instead use other names (ones that are also true) for the baby girl.
the book itself is a joyful sound, with two skilled and entertaining artists responsible for it.
I love the playfulness, too, as the brother struggles to keep the name secret until it is time. They instead use other names (ones that are also true) for the baby girl.
the book itself is a joyful sound, with two skilled and entertaining artists responsible for it.
July 18, 2024
Zachary and his parents collect greetings and diverse neighbors as they all make their way to the synagogue for the little sister's naming. The parents (Mommy and Mama) are welcoming, welcomed and clearly loved by their community. The main story here is the naming. Back matter includes a few common ways Jewish parents name children. A unique addition to collections needing more big sibling stories. (And we ALWAYS need new big sibling stories.) There's more than just Julius the Baby of the World and Junie B Monkey Business. The artwork is perfectly colorful and joyous.
June 6, 2024
The vibrant colors of the illustrations are what make the picture book for me. One that highlights the beauty of community as the little kid invites people in the neighborhood along with his two moms and him to the synagogue for the naming ceremony of his little sister.
There are a cadre of picture books featuring names whether related to cultural significance, the importance of saying a name correctly, and a range of things in between, this one would fit very nicely in that space.
There are a cadre of picture books featuring names whether related to cultural significance, the importance of saying a name correctly, and a range of things in between, this one would fit very nicely in that space.
June 8, 2024
A delightful depiction of a young family celebrating a special moment- their infant's naming day at the synagogue. Through the ambling walk there, thenoilder sibling responds to friendly neighbors, reminded by his Mama or Mommy to use their loving-nicknames until the ceremony makes it all official. This community based celebration and natural; acceptance of particular religious traditions as well as same-sex parents and families is a welcome, gentle story that it itself a joyous song!
July 26, 2024
A very sweet picture book, filled with lots of big sibling excitement for a new baby. Zachary is so excited for his little sister's first Shabbat, where her name will be officially announced at a naming ceremony. They pass lots of neighbors on their walk to synagogue who are all so excited to come as well. Filled with love and joy, and an author's note about contemporary Jewish naming customs. The water colored illustrations are colorful and vibrant and match the joyous tone.
July 19, 2024
A beautifully illustrated tale of young Zachary and his new baby sister. Zachary and his two moms are heading to their Synagogue to give the baby her official name, as is traditional Jewish custom. Along the way they invite several neighbors who want to know what the baby's name is.
Illustrations are gorgeous!
Illustrations are gorgeous!
August 17, 2024
A Jewish family (2 moms) is on its way to the naming ceremony for their new baby daughter and sister. It’s a quiet story that’s full of joy (just as the title suggests) as the family invites neighbors to join them on their walk to the temple. Illustrations show the joy and happiness of the family and of the attentiveness of the guests as they wait to hear the new name at the ceremony.
August 22, 2024
This is a beautiful picture book about a loving family who are going to their baby's naming ceremony. The community all joins in to celebrate the new baby. The book is diverse (interracial couple, LGBTQ+ parents, diverse community, Jewish representation) with gorgeous illustrations that pull you into the page. I really liked and recommend this one.
August 23, 2024
Really beautiful illustrations with such fantastic colors! This story is very sweet, about a small boy excited about the naming day for his new sister and all the neighbors they meet up with on the way. It's a little repetitive as an adult reader, but has that rhythm of threes that little kids love.
August 29, 2024
Joyful Song is a joyful story about a little boy who accompanies his two moms to temple for a naming ceremony for his new sibling at the local synagogue. The diverse cast of characters, a text that overflows with love and happiness on every page, and the vibrant, glorious illustrations make this a book truly worth having.
September 7, 2024
It's the first Shabbat for Zachary's baby sister and. the family is on their way to the synagogue for the baby-naming ceremony. On their way, they invite their neighbors who are happy to be a part of this special tradition. A lively, warmhearted picture book about the baby-naming ceremony that celebrates family and community.
May 28, 2024
A sweet story about brother Zachary's baby sister's first Shabbat and naming ceremony at the synagogue. Zachary has two moms of different races and is in a diverse community that supports and welcomes his family.
July 4, 2024
Fantastic and beautifully illustrated story about a family with 2 moms and a Zachary having a Jewish naming ceremony for their brand new baby girl! It's just repetitive enough to be comforting, but not so much that it takes over the story. I loved it!!
August 17, 2024
Fantastic and beautifully illustrated story about a family with 2 moms and a Zachary having a Jewish naming ceremony for their brand new baby girl! It's just repetitive enough to be comforting, but not so much that it takes over the story. I loved it!!
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May 22, 2024I like the bright colors throughout the book.
June 2, 2024
beautiful story about a beautiful tradition; neighbors all included; interesting author's note
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