JOYFUL SONG

by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Susan Gal

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!

Type: Picture Book
Pages: 40
Format: Hardcover
Publication: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9781646143702

PRAISE

★ “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)

“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

About Lesléa Newman

Lesléa Newman is the author of more than fifty books for young readers, including Heather Has Two Mommies, Sparkle Boy, and Mommy, Mama, and Me. 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.

About Susan Gal

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 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.