JOYFUL SONG

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.