Uncle Bobby's Wedding
on Goodreads (954)
What’s inside...
Bobby and Jamie are getting married, but Bobby's niece Chloe is worried that she won't be his favorite person anymore. Will Uncle Bobby still think she is special? Sarah Brannen's warm story is set in an alternative family as Uncle Bobby marries his boyfriend. Uncle Bobby's Wedding embraces Bobby's relationship with Jamie, but keeps its focus where it truly belongs: on an uncle and niece's love for each other. Beautifully told and charmingly illustrated, this simple yet moving story begs to be read time and again.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Chloe
Uncle Bobby
Jamie
Grandma
Discussion points
How did Chloe feel about Uncle Bobby getting married? Can you relate to her emotions?
What did you learn about the different kinds of families shown in the book?
Why is it important to support and celebrate the happiness of our family members and friends?
How did the characters in the book show love and support to each other?
What would you do to make someone's special day even more memorable?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by using open-ended questions that foster critical thinking and emotional awareness. Relate the themes of the book to your child's personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable. Celebrate the diversity of families and highlight the importance of love and support, mirroring the values shown in the book. Utilize the illustrations in the book to prompt discussion about non-verbal expressions of emotions and support. Ensure the conversation remains light and enjoyable, reinforcing the positive messages of acceptance and family bonds.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Diversity and Inclusivity
Explanation: The story portrays Uncle Bobby’s wedding to his partner Jamie, introducing children to diverse family structures and relationships through a positive, celebratory lens.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and respect people from all walks of life and different family setups, fostering a more inclusive attitude in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of Family and Relationships
Explanation: Uncle Bobby's Wedding emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the joy that special events bring to close-knit families.
Real-World Application: Children understand the significance of familial support and love, helping them value and nurture their own family relationships.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Feelings of Jealousy
Explanation: The protagonist Chloe initially feels jealous about sharing her favorite uncle with someone else but learns to manage these feelings by talking about them and understanding the situation better.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to express and cope with feelings of jealousy constructively, aiding their emotional development.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, Chloe learns to communicate her fears and feelings, which helps her accept and celebrate the changes in her family.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to speak openly about their feelings and concerns, promoting healthy emotional and social growth.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Life’s Milestones
Explanation: The book depicts the joy and preparation surrounding Uncle Bobby’s wedding, showcasing how families come together to celebrate important milestones.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and revel in life's big moments, understanding their cultural and emotional significance.