THE WEDDING

An older sister’s wedding makes a girl feel lonely at first, but she is ultimately caught up in the bonds created by this big family gathering. This child’s-eye view of matrimony picks up on the excitement of a large family wedding, plus the fears a child faces of losing an older sibling and of being overwhelmed by such a grown-up occasion. The adults include Daisy, the narrator, in all the pre-wedding planning; she is part of choosing a dress, food, and rooms for the big event. Soman’s illustrations get all the details, postures, and facial expressions right, especially those of the girl as she samples foods or plays dress up in a bridal veil. These scenes are funny and personal; anyone who’s been in a wedding will understand. In the end, the wedding unites rather than divides; sitting on the sofa with her family, the child’s fears disappear. The only deterrent in this warm book is the archaic sense that the bride is being “taken away” by her man, which may reflect Daisy’s perspective, but contradicts the impression readers have of “Sister” as an independent, thinking woman, who has chosen her groom just as he has chosen her. (Picture book. 4-7)