Today it is an honor to share my interview with Lesléa Newman, an author I’ve admired for many years. When I was teaching, I created memories with my students while we read a few of her award-winning books. And now I have the opportunity to share her book JOYFUL SONG: A NAMING STORY, illustrated by Susan Gal which is earning well-deserved accolades and I’m sure there will be more to come. I was fortunate to see this beautiful book before it was a book at a conference in fall, 2023. Then when I had shared my blog in a group that Lesléa is part of, we arranged to celebrate it here. JOYFUL SONG seemed like the ideal book to start the new year. It was part of my presentation at NCTE sharing books that exemplified the Jewish values of loving your neighbor and celebrating friendship. Meanwhile I was lucky enough to meet her at the NCTE conference in Boston where she was just as lovely as you can imagine.
I don’t review books on my blog, but if you’re interested in reading my thoughts about JOYFUL SONG: A NAMING STORY which begin with “Joyful Indeed!” https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6743758626
Lesléa has generously agreed to give one lucky winner a signed copy of JOYFUL SONG: A NAMING STORY (US addresses only) please comment on the blogpost to enter. And feel free to share on your social media and tag us!
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
My target audience consists of children aged 4-8. I spent the early part of my childhood growing up in Brooklyn, NY, specifically Brighton Beach. I loved the beach and the ocean (still do!) and my favorite thing to do was ride the waves on my dad’s back.
What inspires you?
The question should really be: What doesn’t inspire you? Dreams, experiences, memories, things I read about, hear others talking about, my own imagination—the sky’s the limit!
This is exactly how I feel, too! It’s wonderful because we are never bored.
What’s the one thing you hope readers take away from this book?
My book is all about joy: the joy of a child who has just become a big brother; the joy that parents of a new baby feel; the joy of a neighborhood that welcomes the new baby; the joy of the Jewish community during a naming ceremony. I hope my book infuses the reader with all this joy and more! And I hope that the book inspires young readers to learn the unique story of their own name.
What can we look forward to next?
I have several picture books coming out including Something Sweet: A Sitting Shiva Story; Rainbow Cookies; Song of the Dead Sea Scrolls; and Welcome: A Prayer for Refugees. I am lucky to be working with amazing illustrators and editors to bring these projects to life.
To learn more about Lesléa and her writing:
website: https://lesleanewman.com
Bluesky: leslea.bsky.social
Laura Roettiger Books 
I love this book and the joy it shares – and what a lineup of things to come!
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Robin, it’s such a wonderful book! Joy and love on every page! And yes, a lineup of more books to look forward to! 😍 Good luck in the giveaway.
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Joy is exactly what the world needs more of these days. I’d love to own a copy of this book. Thanks.
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Elizabeth, I’m looking for joy in every moment and every place I can find it, I hope we can all find it. Good luck in the giveaway.
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The cover alone is gorgeous and makes me smile. I can’t wait to read this book and it sounds like it will make a great gift for baby showers.
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Thanks, Danielle it’s truly a work of art in both text and illustrations. The adorable way the name is kept a secret was such a delight! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Thanks for this wonderful interview! This book is truly joyful! Mazel tov!
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Melissa, yes it truly is a delightful book! Thank you for reading. Good luck in the giveaway.
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What a great interview and I’m so looking forward to reading this book! The story (all about JOY!💗), the illustrations, and the beauty of names all have me so intrigued! Thank you for the chance to win a copy!😊
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Kim (I’m guessing on your name) thanks for reading and you are in for a treat! This book is truly magic, it’s really an inspiration. Good luck in the giveaway.
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