Leslea Newman

When nine-year-old Gittel and her mother arrive at the seaport, ready to board a ship in order to emigrate to America, the health inspector tells Gittel's mother that her eye infection precludes her from going. Putting Gittel on board the ship by herself, with their cousin's name and address in New York City, the mother instructs her to be brave. So begins a weeks-long voyage, as the young girl experiences life on board ship, and eventually finds herself at Ellis Island, in New York Harbor. show more But when the slip of paper with Cousin Mendel's address is illegible, what will Gittel and the kind interpreter who helps her at Ellis Island do...?

Based upon two different stories handed down in her family, author Lesléa Newman, who has written seventy books for children in her long career, spins the tale of Gittel, a young girl who must make an unimaginable journey on her own. Poignant, powerful, and ultimately hopeful, the narrative here explores themes such as persecution - at one point, Gittel's mother tells her that it isn't safe for them, in their home country - immigration, and the strength that religious and familial customs can give, in difficult times. The accompanying artwork by Amy June Bates, whose illustrations can also be found in such titles as the wonderful Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed, are stunningly beautiful. Her use of light is particularly adept here, and the overall composition of many of the scenes, with the decorative borders, had a lovely, folk-art feel to it that reminded me a bit of the work of Ivan Bilibin. High praise indeed! Recommended to anyone looking for stories about the immigrants who came through Ellis Island, particularly child immigrants, as well as to those who appreciate beautiful picture-book art. show less

This winsome little board-book features a cheerful toddler spending the day with his two fathers: playing music together, dressing in costumes, and having tea with his stuffed animals. Lesléa Newman's rhyming text - "Daddy wears a shiny crown. Papa dresses like a clown. Daddy's plane goes zoom, zoom, zoom! Papa's car goes vroom vroom vroom!" - is ideal for reading aloud, and Carol Thompson's adorable illustrations accentuate the fun in each scene.

As mentioned in my review of Mommy, Mama, show more and Me, I am always on the look-out for children's books which portray same-sex parents in a positive and natural light, without becoming too preachy, and Daddy, Papa, and Me certainly qualifies! I'm particularly thrilled that it's a board-book, and meant for very young children, as there is such a dearth of good early-childhood books in this vein! A wonderful gift for any toddler, whether the child of same-sex parents or not! show less

This adorable board-book features a happy toddler spending time with her two mothers: playing on the playground, cooking together, and reading a bedtime story. The rhyming text by Lesléa Newman is made for reading aloud, and the bright illustrations by Carol Thompson capture the joy of each moment.

I'm always looking for new children's books that present same-sex parents in a positive and natural fashion, without becoming too didactic or political, and Mommy, Mama, and Me fits the bill! I show more especially appreciate the fact that it's a board book, and therefore meant for the very young child, as I cannot think of any other early childhood books in a similar vein. Whether intended for the child of same-sex parents, who needs to see her reality reflected in the books around her, or for the child of heterosexual couples, who needs to see that families come in every shape and size, this (together with its companion, Daddy, Papa, and Me) would make a lovely gift! show less

A very pretty book with a simple and sweet story about a little boy experiencing his new sister's naming ceremony. Everyone in the neighborhood wants to know the baby's name, and little Zachary keeps almost spilling the beans ahead of schedule; I think a child listening to the story would find the repetition of those near-oopses amusing. The illustrations are warm and colorfully washy, and the fact that not only are the parents both women, but that the rabbi is also female, is a lovely show more unexpected twist. show less