Overview
On the day Amarlai's new cousin is named, the guests arrive, prayers are said, the corn wine is blessed and a tiny drop of wine is put on the baby's tongue as she is named. Gifts are offered, and the feasting and dancing begins. Amarlai is happiest of all as at last his cousin has a name-Dede!Synopsis
This thoughtful book uses the baby-naming ceremony to give young readers, in text and color photographs, a glimpse at the pleasures of traditional African village life. Amarlai has a new cousin, and he can't wait for her to be given a name. On the great day, the guests arrive, prayers are said, the corn wine is blessed, and a tiny drop of wine is put on the baby's tongue as she is named. Gifts are offered, and the feasting and dancing begins. Everyone is happy, but Amarlai is happiest of all. In learning about this ritual, he celebrates his culture with the reader.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3-Onyefulu opens this photo-essay with an enlightening one-page introduction that succinctly addresses the significance of names in African culture. Amarlai, who lives in Ghana, has a new cousin. He is impatient for Baby to have her real name but, as his uncle tells him, she has to be eight days old before that can happen. Through Amarlai's engaging voice, the process of naming a child is described-how and why one is chosen, and by whom. Each step is documented in a series of insightful, well-positioned photographs that capture the richness of this tradition and the importance of the extended family and community. Finally, preparations begin for Baby's big day. Shaded boxed text provides supplemental information about the ceremony. A good resource for social-studies units on cultures and traditions.-Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.