A Perfect Pair: Naming Ceremony and Joyful Song: A Naming Story

“Sara!” a voice called across the exhibit floor of the ALA Annual Conference a couple weeks ago. I looked around for a colleague or friend, but instead found a stranger. She handed me a hot pink ribbon to stick on my attendee badge boldly printed with “THE SARA CLUB.” Also named Sara, she was walking around the conference, eyeing badges to find fellow members. Over the next few days I saw these ribbons on librarians, authors, publishers, and vendors. It was an instant ice breaker to share both a name and a funny little sticker announcing what we already knew: there are a lot of us.

Names are meaningful markers of identity, culture, religion, history, and family tradition, and a topic ripe for exploration in picture books. I was delighted to meet fellow PB Rising Stars mentor, Seina Wedlick, that same weekend and learn about her book, Naming Ceremony, illustrated by Jenin Mohammed. I checked it out from the library when I returned home and was instantly enamored. It reminded me a lot of Joyful Song: A Naming Story by Lesléa Newman and Susan Gal which I had also recently read, and I think these two beautiful, sweet books make the perfect pair.

In Naming Ceremony, Amira is excited for her baby sister’s special day, where parents, guests, and Amira herself will each gift the baby a name. Once the naming ceremony is complete, each person can address the baby by the name they have chosen or the name given by the parents. As Amira welcomes family and friends to her home, she reflects upon the meaningful name each has selected, while wondering whether her sister will like the name she has chosen. The charming and affirming text depicts a close-knit community and loving family celebrating a milestone moment for a cherished baby. The illustrations, featuring blues, pinks, and yellows are soft and expressive. A fascinating author’s note further explains the West African naming traditions upon which this story is based.

Despite featuring two very different cultures, there are many parallels for readers to draw between Naming Ceremony and Joyful Song.

In the latter, Zachary, Mama, and Mommy bring his baby sister to the synagogue where her name will be revealed to the congregation. As Zachary pushes the carriage, neighbors they meet along the way ask the baby’s name. Unable to share before the official announcement, the family provides the new arrival’s sweet and spirited nicknames instead, while Zachary invites the curious neighbors to come along for the ceremony. During the service, blessings for the baby are recited, and Zachary announces the baby’s name to a loving and supportive community. The lighthearted and lyrical text is complemented by the lush watercolors depicting a diverse neighborhood wrapping its arms around its newest member. The informative author’s note provides additional information on the Jewish simchat bat ceremony.

Naming Ceremony and Joyful Song are wonderful books for inspiring conversations about the meanings behind our names, and how they are bestowed and shared. These two titles are also the perfect start to a library display or classroom basket devoted to the topic. What other favorite name books would you add to this collection?

Congratulations Kathy Cannon Wiechman for winning a signed copy of Wat Takes His Shot plus book swag pack. Thank you again to Cheryl Kim for this generous giveaway!