Parents' Guide to

Lilly's Big Day

By Dawn Friedman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Fun, warm book about would-be flower girl.

Book Kevin Henkes Picture Book 2006
Lilly's Big Day Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Lilly wants to be the flower girl in her teacher's wedding but her teacher has someone else in mind.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can use the details in the delightful illustrations to spark discussion. For instance, how does Lilly's teacher feel about her being a flower girl at his wedding? Ask your kids to look at his expressions and gauge his feelings.

Book Details

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