Baby Babka, the Gorgeous Genius Book

Before the new baby is born, Beryl calls it Babka, hoping it will be a girl as sweet as Mama’s delicious chocolate dessert. When it finally arrives, though, Beryl is disappointed. Not only is the baby another boy (she already has one little brother, Sam), but he has a stupid name and is just a big dumb lump, not the gorgeous genius the grownups say he is. However, her wise Uncle Morty has a few tricks up his sleeve. With a little magic and a little assistance from Mama, the aunts, and some old baby pictures, their Uncle Morty helps Beryl and Sam see that some things are true and unchanging, like the sun in the sky above and a family’s love.
Sharp and witty illustrations from popular artist Victoria Chess punctuate this easy-to-read chapter book about a unique and loving family.

Nancy T. Braverman - Children's Literature

Almost all "big" brothers and sisters can relate to feeling displaced by a new baby in the house, especially if they hoped for one gender and got the other! This lovable story about the impact the birth of a new baby can have on the older siblings is very tender and sensitive. Hoping for a baby sister she has already decided should be named Babka (a sweet chocolate coffee cake), Beryl is distraught when her much anticipated baby sister turns out to be a baby boy named Zachary. After spending some quality time with clever and intuitive Uncle Morty, Beryl and her younger brother Sam comes to realize that they really do have feelings for this new addition to the family. The story is written in simple language and broken into five short chapters making it a great choice for a budding reader. The soft colors of the illustrations add to the warmth this book creates. A recipe for Mama's award-wining cake, chocolate babka, is included at the end. 2004, Clarion Books, Ages 5 to 8.