Jewish naming ceremonies for baby girls, once considered less important than a boy’s brit milah, have received increased attention in recent years. In Lesléa Newman and Susan Gal’s picture book, one little girl and her mothers enjoy a beautiful and spirited welcome to the Jewish community. Excited neighbors and friends are eager for the baby girl’s parents to reveal her name. Her mothers and older brother, Zachary, respond to their questions with humor and imagination.
When Mama suggests that the baby will be called “Little Babka” because she is approximately the size of that cake, Zachary adds that the baby is also “just as sweet.” The text becomes a call and response, with different names offered, until Mama and Mommy finally reward everyone’s patience. 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. Gal exaggerates everyone’s gestures and features in order to highlight their character. A two-page spread of the festive kiddush luncheon resembles a scene in a play, in which even the minor characters are essential.
If you want to find out what Little Babka, Snuggle Bunny, Shayneh Maideleh is really named, read this joyful book with the children in your life.
Emily Schneider writes about literature, feminism, and culture for Tablet, The Forward, The Horn Book, and other publications, and writes about children’s books on her blog. She has a Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures.
