Joyful Song: A Naming Story

“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



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



[STAR] “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)



“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

[STAR] “This welcome, positive, inclusive story… portrays a child infectiously excited about a new sister and about a Jewish ritual.” – Horn Book

“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.” – Mombian

“Transporting and lyrical.” – Kveller



“Enchanting… Vibrant art exudes warmth and love and the joy of new beginnings.” – SF Datebook



“Newman’s nar­ra­tive places a Jew­ish cus­tom in the con­text of one lov­ing fam­i­ly, their syn­a­gogue, and their neigh­bor­hood. Gal’s stun­ning pic­tures, sat­u­rat­ed with col­or and tex­ture, cap­ture a diverse community’s sense of antic­i­pa­tion.” – Jewish Book Council



“Prismatic perfection.” – Kit Ballenger, Help Your Shelf



[STAR] "This should be a story-hour favorite, but more, it sets a standard for inclusivity that highlights the invisible ties that bind people to one another. A new sibling book of a different stripe, to cherish and reread; despite the sacred, tender ceremony at its center, the story welcomes all to participate in a small moment writ large." – School Library Journal (starred)



“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?” – BookishlyJewish



"Vibrant, colorful illustrations are as perfectly paced as the text in this positive, inclusive story about welcoming a new sibling into a community." – The Boston Globe

Lesléa Newman
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
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.