MAZAL BUENO!

When a baby achieves each new milestone, a hearty “Mazal bueno!” is said.

The traditional Hebrew phrase Mazel tov, which expresses congratulations for achievements such as births, bar and bat mitzvahs, graduations, weddings, and new jobs and promotions, translates to Mazal bueno in the Sephardic Ladino or Judeo-Spanish language. In this board book, proud parents follow their baby’s progress. When the baby “grin[s]” their “first grin” after being tickled on the chin, the parents say, “Love, baby, love! / Mazal Bueno!” After the little one learns to crawl, they cheer, “Go, baby, go! / Mazal Bueno!” Eating food for the first time (“Yum, baby, yum!”), standing up on their own (“Dance, baby, dance!”), speaking their first word (which, aptly, turns out to be bueno)—all are greeted with a hearty “Mazal bueno!” The simple board book features repetitive, rhyming text and is illustrated with bold colors depicting a young family with dark curly hair and tan skin. The upbeat atmosphere reflects the happiness these new parents feel watching over their growing and learning baby. Aroeste, a Ladino singer, introduces an essential custom in Sephardic culture. The back cover of the book includes a QR code to a video of the author singing the Ladino song “Avram Avinu.” (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Joyful celebration in a new baby’s life.