Review by Booklist Review
Robust, mixed-media illustrations and a joyous story line combine in this celebratory title. Amira is preparing for her baby sister's naming ceremony, a tradition within her West African community. She is excited but also feels anxious about trying to come up with a unique name for her sister. Meanwhile, her family is preparing traditional beads, food, and décor for the event. The vibrant artwork incorporates pattern and texture from textiles used in characters' clothing, and the family and neighbors who attend the party form a wonderfully diverse group. Young readers will relate to the many emotions Amira feels throughout the story and heartily approve of the name she finally chooses for her sister. Wedlick creates a loving portrait of family tradition and sibling relationships from a unique angle, as many readers will be unfamiliar with naming ceremonies. The back matter offers more information on this custom. Other titles that celebrate the importance of names include Juana Martinez-Neal's Alma and How She Got Her Name (2018) and Antonio Sacre's My Name Is Cool (2022).
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Nigerian-born author Wedlick centers a West African name-giving tradition in this endearing debut, a tender sibling story that meaningfully celebrates extended family and ancestral tradition. Big sister Amira is excited about her baby sister's naming ceremony, but she's unsure how to choose a name. "Think of something meaningful that you would want her to have. A blessing, a wish, a story," says Mama. As the baby naps, Amira welcomes friends and family, who each reveal the gifts and names they plan to give baby sister. Grandma Nana, who arrives with the cousins, plans to bestow the name Shakira, meaning thankful. Uncle Ali, a storyteller, plans to offer up Uhwe, the word for moonlight--when stories are best told. After baby sister awakens and the girls' parents reveal the moniker they have chosen, each guest names the infant, until it's Amira's turn. Patterned digital and mixed-media illustrations from Mohammad (Song in the City) energetically visualize domestic images of the family, portrayed as Black, and their guests, depicted with various skin tones, in this buoyant, familial story about passing on blessings that incorporates myriad intergenerational customs. An author's note details the tradition behind the ceremony. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Alice Fugate, while at Trident Media Group. Illustrator's agent: Christy Ewers, CAT Agency. (Apr.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Amira wants to bestow the perfect name on her baby sister. True to tradition in many West African countries, Amira's family has planned a big celebration, complete with food and gifts, for the naming of their new arrival. But the baby doesn't get just one name; everyone who comes can give her a name, and as she grows, each attendee can either call her their special name or use the name her parents have given her. Grandma Nana, who has dark brown skin like Amira, is gifting the name Shakira, meaning thankful; Amira's friend Miki gives the baby the name Akahana, Japanese for bright red flower, and appropriately brings along a red flower. The naming ceremony begins--Habiba, or beloved, is the name chosen by Mama and Papa. Though Amira is unsure how her name measures up, at last she proudly names her Otta, or friend. Amira, Mama, Papa, and the baby wear bright blue fabric with golden yellow patterns on it resembling gingko leaves, and though Grandma Nana wears a deep pink dress, it also has the same leaf pattern--identifying them as family. This informative and impactful story gives young readers a window into how West Africans welcome new children into their family. Mohammed's digitally rendered mixed-media images capture the joyous mood of the gathering. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A wonderful story of a family's cultural tradition shared with the whole community. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
