  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 02/15/2017 Mama’s wedding is making Jackson a bit anxious. He’s not sure about calling Bill “Dad” or having Bill’s daughter, Sophie, as a little sister. Today, though, Jackson mainly worries about his duties as ring bearer in the wedding, where Sophie will be the flower girl. His grandpa shows them how to walk down the aisle with slow, steady steps, but during the ceremony, Sophie starts skipping and begins to trip. Jackson catches her before she falls, earning him a cheer from the crowd, gratitude from his mother, and a newfound sense of confidence in his role as big brother. Written with simplicity, immediacy, and warmth, the story unfolds within a short period of time and leaves the impression that long after the wedding is over, all will be well in Jackson’s new family. The mixed-media illustrations enrich the portrayals of these African American characters, as well as underscore the mood shifts within Jackson’s story. Cooper creates beautiful effects with subtle colors, textures, and suffused light in the soft-focus paintings. A heartening, reassuring picture book. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. School Library Journal - 03/01/2017 K-Gr 2—It's the day Jackson's mother is getting married, and the boy is anxious about many things. He is the ring bearer, and he's concerned about tripping as he goes down the aisle. Jackson is also getting a new stepsister named Sophie, and he's not sure what to think about that. He's also not sure about calling the man he knew as Bill "Dad." Sophie is the flower girl, and with a little coaching from Grandpop, the kids are ready to go down the aisle. Ignoring Grandpop's advice, Sophie skips instead of walking slowly, and trips on a step. Jackson sees what's happening, catches her before she falls, and saves the day to cheers and applause. Cooper's signature grainy paintings work in tandem with the text. His style is timeless; the pictures represent events that could have happened 50 years ago or just last week. The repetition of words and phrases will bolster confidence in young readers just as Jackson's confidence is built up by his family's loving kindness. VERDICT Children will identify readily with Jackson's fears and enjoy the way he overcomes them. A solid purchase for any picture book collection.—Jennifer Steib Simmons, Anderson County Library, SC - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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