Review
Marriage is seldom the subject of a children's picture book, so the first surprise to Our Daughter is Getting Married lies in its perspective as a mother picks up the phone to hear the news that her daughter has met somebody special and is planning her wedding day.
Lovely color illustrations follow wedding plans and a mother's enthusiasm as the couple plan their big day, from sparkling wedding rings and cake choices to the involvement of friends and family and possible dresses, flowers, and decorations.
Young picture book readers receive a rollicking rhyme reviewing these exciting developments as a mother celebrates the details of her daughter's wedding with approval and wonder.
But this is no ordinary marriage, and no ordinary celebration. What makes it different isn't only the participants: it's the level of acceptance of two supportive families and the excitement of commitment between two individuals in love, both females, who make a public statement about their intention to officially meld their lives and families in a different way.
Coming in the wake of new discussions about LBGT lives, rights, and Orlando's tragedy, Our Daughter is Getting Married makes a powerful, supportive statement about love and addresses its message not to adults well versed in social and political discussion; but to the hearts and minds of the young picture book reader - the next generation that desperately needs a message of supporting families and "people in love together" and the types of partnerships that sustain unity over separation.
Very, very highly recommended, Our Daughter is Getting Married offers a much-needed anecdote to a world too often immersed in divisiveness and pain.
-D.Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
5.0 out of 5 stars This Book is One to Remember!
Gail Heath, the author of “Our daughter is getting married,” writes a truly amazing book. This book fearlessly shows young readers what it’s like to share a loved one’s special day. While describing in detail, the excitement of choosing wedding dresses, selecting flowers, introducing a special person to parents, it gives audience of all ages time to reflect on the true values of marriage; love, honor, and a commitment to share life in unity. There’s a strong sense of excitement throughout the book, reminding parents, grandparents, and relatives that weddings are a time to celebrate with your loved ones, and not a time to mourn.
Marriage is an occasion for gift giving, a time to share, and a time to receive extended family with warmth and love. The overall theme of this book is acceptance. This book gives anyone seeking to prepare young children to receive future partners in marriage, both in public eye and local community, a chance accept love for what it looks like, perfectly organized, perfectly unified, perfectly uplifted in front of God, with the support of the bride’s family. This Book is definitely one to remember.
-Kri’ Shawn Terrell
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book!
Gail Heath targets on a stunning topic in this children’s picture book Our Daughter Is Getting Married. Heath’s writing is simple and sweet, with cute little rhymes completing it all together as she takes the much controversial topic of LGBT rights and intertwines it sweetly into a kind-hearted story about a mother learning her daughter is getting married, and it happens to be to another young woman. Happiness is felt not a shock, not hate, not anger. The overall message of the book is to teach us now and to our next generation love and tolerance overall.
While Our Daughter Is Getting Married is aimed for young kids this book is as ever so much aimed at adults as well. Hate is not born in us it is learned, and if we can have more books like these for our children then maybe…still, it is up to us the adult if our children even see books like these. That is why I say children may be the target, but adults can learn from this book too. From there we can then teach our children to have love and respect for others. To learn that as human beings we are to love one another. Race, skin color, sexual orientation, religious beliefs do not matter. All we need to do is love. I give kudos to Gail Heath for sharing that.
- JannyC
5.0 out of 5 stars My Daughter Loved It. I loved it more!!
My daughter loves wedding books and this gave her some time to relax and flip through the pages of the book. She accepted without comment that the marriage was between two pretty women. I read the book and loved the content, especially the parts when the daughter was so excited getting married and called her mother on the phone, next was the choice of rings, dress, and flowers, the rhymes came so nice and suitable. Brought a flashback to my wedding day. I will look for more brilliance from Gail Heath; glad I came across her book and I find it very helpful, useful, and important for children of all ages. Thank you Gail!
- Kayla Fisher
5.0 out of 5 stars ...A Gift of Love!
"Our Daughter is Getting Married" follows parents while they support their daughter as she plans her wedding day. The subject matter gives children the opportunity to share their own experiences with siblings, parents, and other family members and friends. The gentle, accepting way same-sex marriage is introduced provides a natural, comfortable forum to let discussions develop throughout the elements of the story.
Ms. Heath has gracefully taken what is often an emotionally tense situation and given readers a wonderfully new perspective which models parental love and family acceptance and support in what could otherwise be high conflict. In today's world of stress and disharmony, "Our Daughter is Getting Married" is a welcome story of the many faces of love!
- Connie Kratky
5.0 out of 5 stars Gail heath presents a wonderful children's book designed to help young ones broaden their ...
Gail heath presents a wonderful children's book designed to help young ones broaden their awareness of the world they were born to. "Our Daughter is Getting Married" is a fictional story about a marriage between two women and the normality of it. By depicting the marriage as something natural and beautiful, and not something abnormal, as a marriage between two women was stigmatized as, the reader will perceive it as that and carry that perception with them into society.
Moreover, the language of the book is appropriate for all ages, the structure is sound, the illustrations are vivid and colorful, and it was an overall fun read!
-Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Age-appropriate and non-judgmental
Tackling marriage equality in a children's picture book is a daunting task, yet author Gail Heath has managed it with grace and sensitivity. Telling this lovely story in rhyme, illustrating the most fun aspects of weddings and family rituals, allows a child to view this social reality without judgment or prejudice, and invites further age-appropriate family discourse. Helpful and appropriate for elementary libraries and counselors, as well.
-M Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book with a powerful message!
This book is beautifully drawn and wonderfully written. It presents the story of a daughter getting married and sharing her wedding plans with her parents. It gives a powerful message about unconditional love and acceptance that children of all ages can connect with. I love poetic flow of the words and the bright, colorful illustrations. This is a must-read book that I highly recommend.
-Tania Backus
5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Story With Illustrations To Match !
Our Daughter is Getting Married is a WONDERFUL story by Gail Heath aimed at young readers. The story is told by the mother and takes us through the many stages of planning for a wedding and ending in marriage vows surrounded by friends and family. It is a beautifully illustrated book with a powerful message of acceptance and unconditional love. I highly recommend this book !
-LouAnn M
5.0 out of 5 stars Made me tear up
This book is lovely. It provides another view of love in such a simple way. I can't wait to share this with my daughter so she can see love comes in different shapes and sizes, but all love is beautiful.
- Chelsea Richards
5.0 out of 5 stars It's a fun read that explains the happy occasion that is a ...
Got this for our son shortly before our wedding. It's a fun read that explains the happy occasion that is a marriage and wedding, that just happens to be between 2 women.
- Sarah G. Linz
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Wonderful story!
- Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST read
This picture book was sweet and delicate in a topic that is both relevant and still a bit taboo. As someone in the LGBT community I think this narrative is both needed and necessary. The dialogue and story line is simple and prosaic in it’s pace. This book is a must for both children in duo and same sex parental households.
While the book reads as an LGBT narrative it feels very honest and true as any other tale of love and family.
What also makes it great is it’s attention to detail that is reserved from the topic at hand. Here we have two women who are empowered and in love. Their families are support systems just as any family which brings forth a gender normative view unlike most LGBT perspectives in this realm of picture books.
One major point that I loved was the relationship between the parents-in-law. This was heart-warming because it can be tough as a member of the LGBT community to not only be open with your own family but to also be open with the family of a partner.
Over all, Our Daughter Is Getting Married is a beautiful and very relevant piece depicting a fairy tale style story of two women in love.
All parents, despite lifestyle or religion should share this book with their children to help them better understand the world and lifestyles around them. A well written and illustrated depiction of modern and brave love.
An absolute triumph for author Gail Heath. Gorgeous work!
- Samuel Wade
5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece for Marriage Equality
Our Daughter is Getting Married is a phenomenal representation of love and commitment shared between two women, and a shining example of family and friends supporting their loved ones' decision to marry - simply because the marriage is between two people in love. This book shines a much-needed light on marriage equality in today's society, where individuals all to often place their own ideals on others, instead of accepting and appreciating differences. The LGBT community has long-awaited such a gem, and to bring out this issue in a beautiful, simple context for young readers makes it a masterpiece.
- Megan Cottington
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written And Lovely
This book is a wonderful children's book to introduce marriage with two women. Illustrations are appropriate and beautiful. This book was written and illustrated well.
-Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A FANTASTIC addition to children's literature
A FANTASTIC addition to children's literature! Describes an atmosphere where acceptance and equality are taken for granted. An important lesson for ALL humanity!
-Linda A.
5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful children's book.
Our Daughter is Getting Married is a delightful children's picture book chronicling the excitement surrounding a family marriage from announcement through to the big day. The great part of this is that at no point is any attention drawn to the gender of the couple because no attention needs to be drawn to it. Other books of this ilk tend to emphasize the gender at the expense of delivering a moving story but Gail Heath doesn't fall into this trap. Instead we have a picture book about the preparations for marriage and that is it.
Hopefully this is a sign that we are at a point where Gay, Lesbian and transgender couples can just be accepted, after all when I read this to my daughter she pointed out that it was two women getting married and moved on. There was no confusion, concern or explanation needed, it was just a statement and that is the real magic of this book.
- LibraryMan
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Our Daughter is Getting Married is another great book from Gail Heath, who excels in writing stories which make you think of a wider world of acceptance and diversity. This one has a clear message which was lost for so long and has only recently been discovered. A lovely book of tolerance and hope which we could all learn something from.
-Rustyburg
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