FROM THE PUBLISHER

Mr. Slinger has big news.
He's getting married.
Married!

Lilly has big plans.
She's going to be the flower girl.
(Lilly has always wanted to be a flower girl.
Even more than a surgeon or a diva or a hairdresser.)

But what's the biggest,
the best,
the most perfect thing of all?
You're invited to the wedding -- so start reading!

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Carolyn Mott Ford

Just about every little girl has dreams of glamour. It may a dream to be Miss America, to be a big hit at the school dance, to be a beautiful model, or to be the flower girl at a wedding. When Lilly's teacher, Mr. Slinger, announces he is to be married, Lilly begins to dream about being a flower girl. She practices and plans for the big day. No one is able to convince her that perhaps Mr. Slinger and his bride have other plans until Mr. Slinger breaks the bad news. His niece Ginger is to be the flower girl. Lilly is so downcast, he suggests that she be Ginger's assistant. Lilly accepts that idea and then dreams of Ginger falling ill and missing the wedding. Who would take her place? Lilly of course. Ginger does show up, but Lilly's job as assistant saves the day. Lilly's character is true to life, which is why she appeals to young readers and why the books featuring the exuberant little mouse bring a smile to many an adult face as well. 2006, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-When her teacher, Mr. Slinger, announces that he is going to marry Ms. Shotwell, the school nurse, the indomitable Lilly takes her role as flower girl at their wedding for granted. Of course, he hasn't asked her-yet-but the young mouse commences practicing her very slow walk, eyebrows raised, hands in front grasping her imaginary bouquet. Her parents give her reasons why her plan might go awry. "Do you understand-?" they ask. "I understand that I'm going to be a flower girl," she responds. At school, she writes Mr. Slinger a note, declaring herself "The World's Best and Most Famous Flower Girl." He finally persuades her to be an assistant to his niece, and Lilly rises to the rescue in a surprise twist that satisfies everybody. Henkes's familiar watercolor cartoons elaborate on the witty text. The desperate looks on Lilly's parents' and Mr. Slinger's faces are priceless. Full-page vignettes depict the little protagonist proudly practicing her flower-girl walk, which is eventually taken up by all the wedding guests at the reception. Adults will especially enjoy the shopping scene in which the sales lady pronounces Lilly "adorable" and her Granny silently quips, "in small doses." But big doses of this feisty rodent will suit her many fans just fine.-Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Lilly, Henkes's peerless princess of mouse perfection, is absolutely certain that she is a shoo-in for the role of flower girl when her beloved teacher Mr. Slinger announces his impending nuptials. Lilly throws herself into preparations with her typical enthusiasm. When she discovers that she will not be the star flower girl, but only an apprentice to Mr. Slinger's niece, Ginger, she valiantly struggles to adjust to her new role. However, when Ginger is frozen by stage fright, Lilly naturally saves the day with elan that surpasses the most seasoned red-carpet celebrities. Henkes manages once again to present Lilly in all of her wonderful, flawed glory, and readers will continue to love her dearly for it. In between giggles, they'll get a Lilly lesson in handling disappointments with aplomb. As always, Henkes's illustrations perfectly capture every delightful nuance of Lilly's persona whether she's practicing aisle-walking "in something more appropriate" or announcing her intentions to the universe. With Lilly, it's always a big day. (Picture book. 4-8)