The Ring Bearer

February 1, 2017
A ring bearer has wedding-day jitters, but the man his mother is marrying has a daughter who isn't the least bit nervous about being the flower girl.In this contemporary story wholly populated by African-American characters, Jackson is a little boy who feels a big sense of responsibility about being the ring bearer in Mama's wedding. He's worried that he may trip and fall and drop the rings, and so he's grateful when Grandpop helps him and Sophie (his soon-to-be stepsister) practice walking "down the aisle slow and steady. 'That way you won't trip, ' Grandpop says like he knows just what's in Jackson's heart." Sophie isn't nervous at all, and when her exuberant skip down the aisle makes her almost trip, Jackson rushes forward to catch her before she falls. Somehow the rings don't get lost in the shuffle, and Jackson's gallantry is applauded by everyone at the wedding, leaving him feeling proud of himself and confident about his relationships with his new family members. Throughout, Cooper's softly textured mixed-media illustrations offer a warm, affirming depiction of this black family's life and love together, though Jackson looks like he's about to sneeze when he first holds the rings and worries about them, which is a bit distracting. Readers will be joining the congregation in cheering for Jackson. (Picture book. 3-7)

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March 1, 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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2017
Preschool-G 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

May 1, 2017
Mama is getting married, leaving Jackson to worry about his place in the new arrangement. What will he call Mama's new husband? How will it work out with a new sister? But for now, one question plagues him: how will he safely navigate the long church aisle without tripping and falling or dropping the rings, especially with sister-to-be Sophie skipping ahead of him with the flower petals? Luckily for both children, Jackson proves to himself and the whole church that he is not only a capable ring bearer but a caring brother as well. Cooper's soft subtractive process art, which he accomplishes by using an eraser over chalk, reflects the warm feel of this special family day. Here we have Bill, the stepdad, somberly passing the rings to Jackson. Next, Bill hoists Jackson to his shoulders in a joyous celebration. Sophie receives her petals from Grandpop, her serious eyes taking in every instruction. When Sophie stumbles, both children have matching ooohs on their lips, their bodies close as Jackson catches Sophie. Careful readers will wonder how the rings ended up in Jackson's pocket after the spill but will appreciate how Jackson's eyes shine with the emotion of the wedding; the close-ups are especially evocative. Many children experience parental weddings, and these times are filled with joy and nervousness. Cooper captures each moment. robin smith

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)