Rent a Bridesmaid
What’s inside...
Tilly can’t believe it when her best friend Matty is asked to be a bridesmaid. In Tilly’s favourite daydream, she’s wearing the most beautiful bridesmaid dress and walking down the aisle behind a bride. The one wedding she’d really love to attend is her own mum and dad’s - but it seems like that's never going to happen. So Tilly decides to make her own dream come true, and puts a notice in the local shop, advertising her services as a bridesmaid. And to her amazement, she gets a reply . . . A fabulous, funny and moving story about finding family and friendship in all sorts of places, from the mega-bestselling author of Tracy Beaker, Hetty Feather and Katy.
Age
9-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tilly
Matty
Tilly'S Dad
Discussion points
How do you think Tilly felt when she had the chance to be a bridesmaid? Can you relate to her excitement or nervousness?
Why is friendship important in the story? How do the friendships change or grow?
What role do the adults play in Tilly's life and adventures? Discuss how they support or challenge her.
Tilly has to make some tough decisions in the book. What would you have done in her place?
How does Tilly's imagination and creativity help her cope with her problems? Can you think of a time when you used your creativity to solve a problem?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ experiences, relating them to their own life.
Discuss the importance of understanding and empathy by exploring how Tilly and her friends handle various challenges.
Use the book’s scenarios to talk about values such as friendship, courage, and resilience.
Highlight key moments in the story where characters show growth or learn lessons to emphasize the developmental aspects of the narrative.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or solutions to the conflicts presented in the book, fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: In 'Rent a Bridesmaid', the protagonist, Tilly, shows unwavering loyalty to her friend Matty, helping her in a crucial moment despite personal risks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to support their friends consistently, understanding the value of trust and loyalty in building lasting relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing differences
Explanation: The book portrays a variety of characters from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and acceptance as Tilly interacts with different people at the weddings she attends.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open-minded and accepting of people who might seem different from them, fostering a more inclusive society.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Tilly demonstrates creative problem-solving skills throughout the book, particularly in how she handles the challenges of attending weddings without her parents.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to think creatively when faced with challenges, understanding that sometimes unconventional solutions can be the most effective.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout her experiences, Tilly shows determination and perseverance, especially when trying to make her own dream of being a bridesmaid come true despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, instilling a sense of resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Tilly often finds herself in situations that require her to be empathetic towards others' feelings, learning to understand different perspectives and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathy in understanding and connecting with others, helping to build stronger, more empathetic interpersonal skills.