Summary
A lovely celebration of Navajo tradition, this story focuses on a family eagerly awaiting a baby’s first laugh, which initiates the family’s formal welcome of the baby into their clans. Everyone tries to get the baby to laugh, from mom, big sister, to grandfather. The scene moves from the baby’s home in the city to its grandparents’ home in the country, and the whole family is thrilled when, at long last, they hear the baby laugh for the first time.
Theme(s):
Importance of tradition, Family, Honor
Personal Response
I enjoyed reading this story. I was able to learn about the First Laugh Ceremony, a celebration held to welcome a new member of the community. In Navajo families a baby’s first laugh is a big deal. It’s an honor to make the baby laugh first. In this book I was able to learn about the Navajo traditions and language. I learned Nima means mom, Nadi means big sister, and Cheiii means grandfather. I liked how to story builds anticipation through multiple family members attempt to make the baby cry.
Teaching Ideas
I would definitely read this story to my class. This story would allow my class to learn about Native American tribes. We would read the book as a class and talk abut their First Laugh Ceremony. We could discuss what traditions we have in our community when a baby is born. I would also give them the opportunity to discuss their family traditions or things they did when their younger siblings were born.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK
