Q&A with Lesléa Newman

 

 

 

 

Lesléa Newman is the author of the new children's picture book Joyful Song. Her many other books include the classic Heather Has Two Mommies. She lives in Massachusetts.

Q: What inspired you to write Joyful Song, and how did the book’s title come about?

 

A: The book was inspired by an actual naming ceremony that took place at my synagogue one Saturday morning at the end of services. The rabbi called a two-mom family up to the bima, blessed them, and announced the baby’s name to the congregation.

 

I was so moved by this, especially because I remember the days when two-mom families were not welcome in most synagogues. So I decided to write a book about it. The title comes from the baby’s name, which I wanted to contain the word “joy.”

 

Q: What do you think Susan Gal’s illustrations add to the story?

 

A: Oh, Susan’s illustrations are just so glorious! They perfectly capture all the emotions of the story—the pride that Zachary feels upon becoming a big brother, the love his two moms feel for both their children, the joy of the family’s friends, neighbors, and community as they welcome the baby to the world, even the enthusiasm of Zachary’s two dogs as they race around  the new baby with great excitement.

 

Susan really brought my characters and their community to life. I am so grateful for all the hard work and care she put into this book.

Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says, “Words and art brim with warmth; the love and support in this diverse community are palpable… A soaring ode to community, tradition, and family.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: That is a perfect description! The reviewer really understood what I was trying to do. “A soaring ode to community, tradition and family.” I couldn’t ask for more.

 

Q: What do you hope kids (and adults) take away from the story?

 

A: I hope that readers of all ages experience the joy that radiates from every page of this book.

 

I hope readers of the Jewish tradition see themselves and feel validated –like looking in a mirror—and I hope readers who are not familiar with Jewish tradition will learn about our rich culture and practices—like looking through a window—and appreciate them.

 

And I hope readers who don’t know the story of their own name will be motivated to ask questions and find out why they were given their own particular name.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I am just now putting the finishing touches on several children’s books which are coming out next year, including Song of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which is being illustrated by Vesper Stamper and published by Enchanted Lion; Something Sweet: A Sitting Shiva Story, which is being illustrated by Sarita Rich and published by Charlesbridge; and Rainbow Cookies, which is being illustrated by Z. B. Asterplume and published by Levine/Querido.

 

And I am writing poetry for adults, hoping to put together a new collection soon.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I’d love to give a shout out to teachers and librarians during this difficult time of book challenges and bans. Teachers and librarians are on the front lines and they are truly my heroes. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for standing up for the right for all of us to read whatever we choose.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Lesléa Newman.