Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Lilly is a strong and spunky character who is self-confident and warm-hearted. This book may lead kids to want to read about Lilly's other adventures.
The delightful illustrations add details to spark discussion. Parents can ask, "How do you think Lilly's teacher feels about her being a flower girl at his wedding?" Ask your kids to look at his expressions and gauge his feelings.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Dawn Friedman
Lilly has her heart set on being a flower girl for her teacher's wedding but her teacher, Mr. Slinger, has his niece, Ginger, in mind for the role. Although things might not go as she planned, Lilly ultimately will find a way to celebrate what she calls "the biggest day of her life."
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 even at her most assertive. Stomping around in her red cowboy boots, crown, and occasional Groucho Marx mustache and glasses, she is a determined, delightful heroine.
Henkes's detailed and expressive watercolor-and-ink illustrations add an extra layer to the story. Parents will chuckle when they see Lilly's exhausted parents, early 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. Parents and kids will be pleased to know that Lilly will manage to find her way without compromising adult decisions.
While Lilly appears in several other books, kids do not need to have read her earlier adventures to enjoy this one. However they -- and their parents -- will want to check out her other adventures as well as Henkes's other excellent picture books.
From The Book
But when it really sank in that she would not be walking down the aisle carrying a bouquet with everyone watching, Lilly pretended that her teddy bear was Mr. Slinger. She made him sit in the Uncooperative Chair. "You can just stay there forever," she said.
Plot Summary:
Lilly wants to be the flower girl in her teacher's wedding but her teacher has someone else in mind.
Related Books:
Other Books by Kevin Henkes
Chester's Way
Kitten's First Full Moon
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
Julius, Baby of the World
Owen
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Social BehaviorLilly is a strong and spunky character who is self-confident and warm-hearted. |
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CommercialismThis book may lead kids to want to read about Lilly's other adventures. |
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