The Chocolate Wedding - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- The star of Lulu and the Flying Babies (Knopf, 1989) is back in a fantasy that's hard to resist. On the eve of her aunt's wedding, Lulu has a chocolate binge that leads to a delicious dream but a rather sick awakening. Now unable to be a bridesmaid, she dozes into a dream world in which she helps the miniature sugar bridegroom atop her aunt's wedding cake search for his missing bride. Presumed to have been eaten by Lulu's baby brother, the bride is actually being held captive by hungry mice. A taste of a sugar shoe causes Lulu to shrink, and she and the groom, aided by chocolate soldiers and cats, make a daring rescue that reunites the consumable couple. Lulu awakens in time for her aunt's wedding party . Youngsters who have shared in the excitement of a family wedding will identify with Lulu, while other will delight in her candy capers. Simmonds's cartoon-strip style is reminiscent of Raymond Briggs and is expertly executed. Like chocolate candy, this may not be an essential purchase but it is certainly an enjoyable treat. --Lori A. Janick, Parkwood Elementary Sch . , Pasadena, TX
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Lulu is to be in her aunt's wedding, but overindulging in her Easter chocolates lands her on the sofa instead. Here she drifts into dreams of chocolate cats and soldiers pitted against the household mice; a miniature bride and groom--figures from the wedding cake--come to life, dependent on Lulu for their happiness and reunion. As in Lulu and the Flying Babies, Simmonds playfully and skillfully interweaves fantasy and reality, suggesting that the border between them is more permeable than we might think. She also shows a fine understanding of children's expectations and disappointments, all wrapped in a lively comic-strip format that vibrates with action and humor. Ages 5-10.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.