Lilly's Big Day (by Kevin Henkes)

Some kids may find spunky Lilly admirable and others may find her exasperating. Either way they are sure to find her amusing. Her self-confidence never steps over the bounds to conceit and she is good-hearted. Stomping around in red cowboy boots, crown, and occasional Groucho Marx mustache and glasses, she is a determined, delightful heroine.

Kevin Henkes' detailed and expressive watercolor-and-ink illustrations add an extra layer to the story. Parents will chuckle when they see Lilly's exhausted parents, morning coffee in hand, listening patiently as Lilly lectures them on her wedding responsibilities. Children will like the word balloons that sometimes take the character's dialogue just a bit further. The comforting, joyful ending is a satisfying end to Lilly's central conflict, and parents and kids will be pleased that Lilly manages to find her way without compromising adult decisions.