  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 04/01/2011 The author of the classic picture book Heather Has Two Mommies (1989) tells a family wedding story that builds to a climactic celebration. Donovan is excited about an upcoming wedding, in which he has a big job as ring bearer. As Grandma and Grandpa give him breakfast, and he gets dressed in his smart new clothes, he remembers to keep track of the little white satin ring box at all times “and not shake it or crush it / or squash it or lose it / no matter what.” Finally, it is time to walk down the aisle and give one shiny gold ring to Mommy and another one to Mama as a tall grown-up in the long black robe says, “I now pronounce you wife and wife.” Plain and poetic, the swiftly flowing free verse perfectly captures the day's excitement, as does Dutton’s digitally touched gouache artwork, which keeps the focus on Donovan’s role in the blissfully happy event. A welcome addition to the still short shelf of picture books featuring same-sex parents. - Copyright 2011 Booklist. School Library Journal - 04/01/2011 Gr 1–3—When Donovan wakes up, he knows that he must dress quickly, eat carefully, and do everything just right because it is a very special day. At the end of the story, readers find out that he is the ring bearer at the wedding of his two mothers. When he plays his part without a hitch, he is rewarded with hugs and kisses from the happy brides. Newman and Dutton do a good job of capturing the excitement of a boy who knows he has an important job to do. They also successfully portray the idea that a wedding is a time of celebration. Not only Donovan but his grandparents and extended family are also excited about the big day, and all cry tears of joy at its happy ending. Child-friendly gouache illustrations capture Donovan's excited, self-conscious expressions as he moves carefully through his tasks. Dutton also includes details about the wedding, such as a teenage boy with his shirttails loose and the mother of one of the brides straightening her husband's tie, that give the story a familiar, comfortable feeling. As in Newman's Mommy, Momma and Me (Tricycle, 2009), this book broaches a controversial issue in an appealingly nonthreatening way.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT - Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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