Joyful Song: A Naming Story

From the beloved pathbreaking author of Heather Has Two Mommies, comes a vibrant ode to family and community

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!

BEST OF THE YEAR

School Library Journal - Publishers Weekly - The Horn Book - Boston Globe - New York Public Library - Chicago Public Library - Kirkus - Cooperative Children's Book Council

P R A I S E

Sydney Taylor Honor Winner

★ "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."
--Publishers Weekly (starred)

★ "Words and art brim with warmth; the love and support in this diverse community are palpable... A soaring ode to community, tradition, and family."
--Kirkus (starred)

"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."
--Booklist

"Featuring beautiful, vibrant illustrations, this charming story offers insights into a Jewish tradition and the importance of community."
--Jewish Books for Kids

"Enchanting... Vibrant art exudes warmth and love and the joy of new beginnings."
--SF Datebook

"Newman, acclaimed author of Heather Has Two Mommies and more than 80 other books, has here crafted a story both lyrical and delightful, while Gal's lush watercolor illustrations befit the vibrant community."
--Bay Windows

Author: Lesléa Newman
Publisher: Levine Querido
Published: 05/07/2024
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.14lbs
Size: 11.80h x 9.10w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781646143702
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.7
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 553231 / Joyful Song: A Naming Story


Award: Sydney Taylor Book Award - Silver Medal Winner


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 02/26/2024
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2024
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2024 pg. 124
Booklist 05/15/2024 pg. 50
School Library Journal 11/22/2024 pg. 1
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2024 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author

Lesléa Newman is the author of more than fifty books for young readers, including Heather Has Two Mommies, and two other books illustrated by Susan Gal: Welcoming Elijah, and Here is the World . Among her many accolades are the Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award, two National Jewish Book Awards, two Stonewall Honors, and a creative writing fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. She lives in Massachusetts with her spouse and their cat, Mitzi.

Susan Gal has written and illustrated several picture books including Night Lights, Please Take Me for a Walk and Twogether. Her illustrated books have been recognized with the Sydney Taylor Award, the National Jewish Book Award, and most recently both a Robert F. Sibert Honor and the Russell Freedman Nonfiction Award for a Better World for The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs by Chana Stiefel. Susan lives in Berkeley, California with her family. You can see more of her work at galgirlstudio.com.