A Song for My Sister

K-Gr 2—Mira wanted a sister; her wish came true. However, after eight days of listening to the baby cry, the family members are at wit's end. No matter what they do—play the recorder, burp and bounce the baby, she wails. On the eighth day, readers learn about the Jewish tradition simchat bat, which is a baby-naming ceremony. After the rabbi arrives, Mira sings, the crowd repeats a refrain, and the baby coos along. A bond occurs in the form of a sister duet in this newly expanded family. The baby is named Shira, which means "song" and rhymes with Mira. The next day, Mira turns seven and wishes to always sing duets with her sister. Mai-Wyss's attractive illustrations have a springlike, watercolor appearance and show a much older child sitting on mother's lap. Even though this is a unique tale about a religious tradition, it represents a universal theme of a new arrival who just needs time to fit into the routine of an established household. A supplemental purchase.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA