Soul Name by Naana Kyereboah sheds light on the Ghanaian tradition for naming children. The story is told from the viewpoint of Ekua, a young girl who is allowed to witness the naming ceremony for her baby brother.This 48-page book moves gently through the early morning naming ceremony attended by parents and grandparents, the pouring of libations for the ancestors, the blessing by the father and family elders, the formal giving of gifts, and then the extended family celebration with food and drink. Soul Name places the naming of a Ghanaian child in the context of culture: how is a name selected, who gets the honor of naming a child. It's a good read!
Lonnie Carmon is the book's illustrator. His drawings are approachable and move the story along. Soul Name, one is surprised to know, comes with a CD. You can listen to the storyteller read Soul Name. What a great value! The book and CD retail for $19.95. Enjoy!
3 comments:
There is a Yoruba adage that says "Ile l'an wo ka to so mo lu ruko". Meaning when a child is born, the situation of the house determines the kind of name that will be given to him or her. A beautiful book like "Soul Name" is as good as gold. Naana, your readers will have something to ponder about.
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