While Lullaby, adapted from the original song by the late Debbie Friedman, dubbed the Joan Baez of Jewish song, has no real plot, the pastel watercolor illustrations of the sparse text provide a soothing atmosphere for a bedtime book. Its main theme, “God will keep you safe throughout the night” will reassure young children and help them wind down from their busy days.
Although the publisher suggests the book for people of all faiths, all backgrounds, the word “shechinah” (dwelling or setting) might require an explanation for secular Jews and Christians.
The publisher suggests ages 3 to 6, and the illustrations depict older children reading and playing, but this book is suitable for toddlers, as well, and the accompanying CD could be used with infants. It might be a good choice as a gift for a new baby and is a great start to building a child’s library.
Sandy Lanton, a former teacher, earned a BA in Psychology and an MS in Early Childhood Education from Queens College. She is the author of Daddy’s Chair (Sydney Taylor Award), The Happy Hackers, Lots Of Latkes, Still a Family: A Young Child’s Book About Divorce (Gittle Honorable Mention), and The Littlest Levine (named one of the best Jewish Children’s Books of 2014 by Tablet Magazine). Her work has appeared in magazines as well as several anthologies. When she isn’t writing stories or visiting schools, Ms. Lanton likes to crochet, line dance, play bridge and pickleball, spend time with her grandchildren, and read, read, read.
