Naming Ceremony

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.)