
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the intensity of a new friendship or a first crush, especially if that child has big ideas that aren't always shared by their friends. The story follows seven-year-old Ann, who has meticulously planned her own wedding to her best friend, Michael, without asking him first. When Michael expresses that he's not ready, their differing expectations lead to frustration and an argument, threatening their friendship. This book provides a humorous and gentle entry point into complex topics like communication, consent, and respecting boundaries. It's an excellent tool for showing children ages 4 to 8 that it's okay for friends to want different things and that listening to each other is the key to resolving conflicts. It validates big feelings while modeling how to compromise and prioritize friendship, making it a valuable resource for social-emotional learning.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with childhood crushes and the concept of marriage. The approach is entirely metaphorical for a deep, intense friendship and is handled in a secular, age-appropriate way. It is not about romantic love in an adult sense. The resolution is hopeful and reinforces the value of platonic friendship.
This book is perfect for a child, age 5-7, who is a 'planner' and has a very active imagination. It's especially useful for a child who struggles when friends don't share their exact vision for playtime or who feels things very intensely and has trouble understanding why others don't feel the same way.
No specific prep is needed; the book can be read cold. The included reflection questions are a great guide for post-reading conversation. A parent might want to be prepared to gently distinguish between the deep love we have for friends and the different kind of love that leads to marriage for grown-ups. A parent has just witnessed their child get into an argument with a friend because the friend didn't want to play the game "the right way." Or, their child comes home from school and declares, "I'm going to marry Sam!" and the parent is looking for a way to discuss the feelings behind that statement.
A younger child (4-5) will enjoy the humor of a kid planning a wedding and relate to the simple conflict of wanting different things. An older child (6-8) will better grasp the nuanced themes of respecting boundaries, understanding another's perspective, and the idea of consent in a friendship context. They will have more empathy for Michael's position.
Unlike many friendship books that focus on sharing or taking turns, this story uses the unique and funny premise of a wedding to explore more advanced social-emotional concepts like consent and managing one-sided expectations. It does an exceptional job of validating a child's big, imaginative plans while simultaneously showing the importance of a friend's feelings and autonomy, all with a light and relatable touch.
Seven-year-old Ann decides she is going to marry her camp best friend, Michael. With great enthusiasm, she plans the entire event, from the dress she'll wear to the names of their future children. When she finally tells Michael, he is overwhelmed and admits he isn't ready for marriage. Ann's excitement turns to frustration, and the two have an argument. Through conversation, they learn to listen to each other's feelings, compromise, and reaffirm that their friendship is the most important thing, deciding to just be "the bestest of friends" for now.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.