Donovan's Big Day

Newman, who broke new ground with Heather Has Two Mommies (1989), returns with an overly earnest and curiously constructed story about a child's role in his same-sex parents' wedding, which follows such books as Uncle Bobby's Wedding (2008) and Mom and Mum Are Getting Married (2004). Newman doesn't reveal whose wedding it is until the final pages, instead devoting most of the story to lengthy descriptions of Donovan's preparations and observations. While she may have intended to build narrative tension before letting readers see that it's Donovan's Mommy and Mama at the altar, in reality it means wading through pages of run-on sentences that read like an instruction manual: "He had to tuck the little white satin box that Aunt Jennifer gave him into his inside jacket pocket and keep track of it at all times and not shake or crush it or squash it or lose it no matter what." Debut artist Dutton's digitally enhanced gouache paintings are bright and upbeat, clearly empathizing with the green-eyed hero's seriousness and pride. It's less about gay marriage than a child's wedding preparations no matter who's getting hitched. Ages 4-7. (Apr.) Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review, School Library Journal, April 1, 2011:
As in Newman's Mommy, Momma and Me (Tricycle, 2009), this book broaches a controversial issue in an appealingly nonthreatening way.

Review, Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2011:
Centered on the child's experience and refreshingly eschewing reference to controversy, the book emerges as a celebration of not only Mommy's and Mama's mutual love but progress toward equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.