Discussion and other a tivites suggested on front flap.

I've seen a good number of flower girl books but not so much the ring bearer. Equal time for the ring bearer! This nicely projects Jackson's determination to do a good job even as he worries about tripping. ( )

Clear presentation of story elements: main character, setting, plot, resolution. Jackson is participating in his mother’s wedding, and has doubts about his ability to perform under pressure. He gains esteem as he performs his part correctly in the wedding as well as assisting his new baby stepsister. He feels reassured as his new immediate family and extended family applaud his choices. All characters in this story are black. ( )

Jackson worries about fulfilling his duties as the ring bearer in his Mama's upcoming wedding to Bill, just as he worries about what things will be like in his new blended family. What will it be like calling Bill 'Dad?' What will sharing with Sophie, his new step-sister, entail? Despite his fears, with the gentle guidance of Grandpop, Jackson not only does just fine as ring bearer, he also shows that he has what it takes to make a wonderful big brother...

This sweet story from author/illustrator Floyd Cooper opens a window into the feelings of a young child confronting major changes in his life, spinning a gentle and reassuring tale of the love a blended family can bring. Having encountered Cooper's artwork before, in such titles as Joyce Carol Thomas' The Blacker the Berry: Poems and Karen Lynn Williams' A Beach Tail, I am well aware that he is a fine illustrator, but The Ring Bearer is the first book I have read where he is the author as well as the illustrator. I am pleased to discover that he is a fine storyteller as well as a talented artist. I get the occasional request at work for stories about ring bearers - those about flower girls are, alas, far more common - so I am glad to have a new title to recommend! ( )