Once Upon a Wedding [Hardcover]

Jeanette Milde (Author), Joan Sandin (Translator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Here comes the bride!

The bride and groom had always dreamed of having little angels in their wedding party. Instead they get Agnes, John, and Paul. On the day of the wedding, Agnes wants to be a bride, not a flower girl; John discovers a loose tooth; and Paul has a serious case of ants in his pants. All three find out that a wedding, while beautiful, can get a bit boring. It's much more fun to play African jungle under the banquet tables . . .

Colorful pictures and a humorous story invite readers to a wedding that they won't soon forget. It's far from perfect, but it turns out to be perfectly fun.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-This tedious book describes the antics of three bratty children whom a bridal couple has chosen as flower girl and ring bearers. Agnes, John, and Paul delay the start of the proceedings by running away, whisper throughout the ceremony, and complain about the food at the reception. Two of them sneak under the table and have this conversation: " 'We'll pretend we're in the African jungle.' 'I can see your underpants,' said John. 'They're red and black.' 'Wrong,' said Agnes. 'Can I see them again, then?'" While children may very well be curious about one another's underwear or interested in the side plot about John's loose tooth, the overall tone of the book is silly and smirking. Cartoon drawings do nothing to make the text more appealing. Decline this invitation and go instead to Gary Soto's Snapshots from the Wedding (PaperStar, 1998), a wonderful celebration of love and family.-Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME
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Review

"Witty details pepper the already comic illustrations. Milde manages to keep a child-centered perspective as she turns wedding hoopla into a site for child's play." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: R & S Books (April 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9129660483
• ISBN-13: 978-9129660487
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,722,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The worst children's book I have ever read, December 12, 2006

By 

Theresa Chenn (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Once Upon a Wedding (Hardcover)

I came across this book in the library. My 3-year-old found it on the shelf and brought it over for me to read. I have truly never been more offended in my life by a children's book. Twice in the book the boy is asking the girl to kiss him, which is arguably inappropriate for the age group it is intended for (4-8). What was inexplicable to me was the page of the book where the boy asks the girl if she wants to see his underwear, and shows her his. Where does the author get off thinking this is appropriate reading for children? Do we really want to educate our children to believe that these are normal questions to be asked, and normal responses to be given? I felt the dialogue, the illustrations and the content of this book were overtly sexual and totally inappropriate for any child. Our library has since removed this book from its collection

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Cute Book for All Ages, November 1, 2007

By 

L. Mullins "StylishGirl" (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Once Upon a Wedding (Hardcover)

This story is a cute and realistic story regarding children actually being a part of a wedding. It is sad that one other person rated this story so poorly over one line. I can assure any reader it is not "sexual" in any way and is a great way to discuss with your child who you show your undergarments to. As a former Montessori and Sunday School teacher to very young children, it happens, especially when parents dress them in "favorite character underwear". With that said, it is only one line in the book and it simply describes the events of a wedding and the children making the most out of what can be boring to very young kids. One of the children has a loose tooth and the focus for the kids during the events of the wedding is more focused on the loose tooth and the visit from the tooth fairy. I consider this a fun book full of great ideas to discuss with kids if they are to be part of a wedding party or visit a wedding, etc. To have it removed from a library is simply a tragedy. The illustrations are fun and innocent. Sure to be a joy to any Bride that has survived a wedding as well! Note the book suggests it is geared towards ages 4-8 and the other reviewer was reading it to a 3 year old. Adults must use guides that the books suggest and read them first before reading to their children if they fear content may not be appropriate. After all, that is the responsible thing to do.