The Ring Bearer

by Floyd Cooper

Mama's getting married, and Jackson has an important job to do! A story about love, weddings, and the special joy that is a blended family. Jackson's mama is getting married, and he gets to be the ring bearer. But Jackson is worried . . . What if he trips? Or walks too slowly? Or drops the rings? And what about his new stepsister, Sophie? She's supposed to be the flower girl, but Jackson's not sure she's taking her job as seriously as she should. In a celebration of blended families, this heartwarming story, stunningly illustrated by the award-winning Floyd Cooper, is a perfect gift for any child who's nervous to walk down the aisle at a wedding, and shows kids that they can handle life's big changes. Praise for The Ring Bearer "Throughout, Cooper's softly textured mixed-media illustrations offer a warm, affirming depiction of this black family's life and love together . . . Readers will be joining the congregation in cheering for Jackson."--Kirkus Reviews "Written with simplicity, immediacy, and warmth....Cooper creates beautiful effects with subtle colors, textures, and suffused light in the soft-focus paintings. A heartening, reassuring picture book."--Booklist "Children will identify readily with Jackson's fears and enjoy the way he overcomes them. A solid purchase for any picture book collection."--School Library Journal "Many children experience parental weddings, and these times are filledwith joy and nervousness. Cooper captures each moment."--Horn Book

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, African American, Fiction, Kids

32 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2017

About the author

Floyd Cooper was an American children's book illustrator and author who focused on Black history. He received a Coretta Scott King Award for his illustrations in Joyce Carol Thomas' The Blacker the Berry. He also received several Coretta Scott King Honors for his illustrations.

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent, hard-working, necessary picture books are, in many ways, the hardest books I review. Decency, should anyone ask, is not exciting. Deplorable books are exciting. Madcap horrendous books are exciting. Dirty, indecent, awful, horrid books are decidedly exciting. But good books that do a job no one else has ever done quite so well? Those might be exciting to read, but for a reviewer they’re the pits. Take The Ring Bearer by Floyd Cooper as an example. I’m basically beginning this review with the only complaint against this book that I could possibly make. In brief: It’s too good. What I wouldn’t give for a lamentable piece of art or a terrible choice of words. Instead, you get a master of the form (Floyd Cooper himself) at his best, creating a book that should by all rights be rote and by the numbers yet is, instead, a story that comes honestly by its heart. A tale of a family coming together, officially, for the very first time.

It’s Mama’s wedding. Mama’s wedding and Jackson is nervous. Not necessarily about Bill, his new stepdad. Sure Jackson is thinking about him and about his new little stepsister Sophie, but that’s not really what’s on his mind. You see, his mama wants him to be part of the wedding ceremony as a ring bearer and Jackson’s terrified he’ll mess up. What if he trips? What if he messes the whole thing up? It’s Grandpop who gives him advice for the day, telling him to walk slow and steady down the aisle. Trouble is, while Jackson follows this advice to the letter, his little stepsister Sophie hardly listens. And when she almost lands herself in trouble, Jackson finds the courage to do the thing he was most afraid of, if it means helping Sophie instead.

A List of Adjectives Professional Reviewers Have Written About This Book:
• Warm
• Affirming
• Warmth
• Heartening
• Reassuring
• Solid

And I’m supposed to add something new to that? Then again, I have an advantage over the professionals. While they are limited by their word counts, I have the privilege of rambling for untold paragraphs just to tease a thought out completely. As a result, I think one thing the professional reviewers have failed to mention is that under normal circumstances this kind of a book (i.e. a book you hand to a kid who’s about to be the ring bearer in a wedding ceremony) is supposed to follow certain prescribed steps and that’s it. Here’s how a normal ring bearer book usually goes: Kid is nervous. Kid is also nervous about new stepparent/aunt/uncle entering their lives. Kid is reassured by the outsider entering in. Kid steps up and does their duty with minimal slip-ups by the story’s end. And it’s not as though this book doesn’t do that, to a certain extent. It’s just that there’s something deeper at work. The heart of this story lies not with Jackson’s relationship to Bill, but rather with his new little stepsister.

Interestingly enough, Cooper’s focus isn’t on how Jackson feels about having to share his mom or any of that (plenty of time for that stuff later). It’s on his job of carrying the rings and his worry that he won’t be up to the task. Then Cooper throws in a curveball. He allows his hero to abandon the task most important to him in favor of a person who is even more important. I like picture books that upset kids’ expectations. Once they’re invested in a story they relate to it. Kids reading this book are going to know what Jackson’s going through. That nervousness is palpable on the page. So the idea of throwing it away for the sake of someone else . . . that’s real to them too. And that’s what Cooper’s displaying so well here. Sacrifice – 5-year-old style.

But the book is also one of those titles that fill a distinct need in the marketplace. If we’re going to be callous about it, there’s always room on bookstore and library shelves for picture books about ring bearers. Now I don’t have any numbers before me right now, but if I were going to estimate, I’d say that 70% of the kid-participating-in-a-wedding books out there are about flower girls. Flower girls, for whatever the reason, disproportionately out perform ring bearer books, 3 to 1. Which is to say, there are more of them. Why? I suppose it’s true that I’ve been to a lot more weddings with flower girls than ring bearers. The reason for that is perfectly outlined in this very book. A flower girl just throws flower petals. But a ring bearer actually has the potential to screw up the ceremony itself by dropping the rings. Not a lot of wedding couples out there are fans of drama on their special day. As for the books about ring bearers, they’re cute but as I was looking through them I noticed that they were all sort of white. Not a lot of diversity in the ring bearer community. Took a bit of a while, but it’s a start.

I wonder how many books Mr. Cooper has penned himself. I wonder how long he’s been doing it too. Because while I’ve always admired his paintings, it takes more than pretty pictures to make a good book. Tackling his subject matter with aplomb, Mr. Cooper lifts his book above and beyond the usual wedding market cycle. His story is sweet, true. Saccharine, never. Go look at all those adjectives the professional reviewers used. They used up almost all the good ones but here’s one they neglected: Beautiful. Beautiful in art, in text, in heart, and in mind. A book for every family, every library, every place. Enjoy it.

For ages 3-6.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Betsy says, this is an important book. It's got 'diversity.' It's got a tight focus on the wedding day of this blended family. It's got a boy as the main character, and he's admitting that he's nervous. And it's got a beautifully happy ending. I'm glad that I found it in the waiting room of the WIC office (sharing a building with the place I had an appointment).

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for my great nephew who is very proud of his impressive experience as a ring bearer. (Five weddings!) This is the first ring bearer book I've seen with an African American boy.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 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!

[Villain E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect.

Jackson's mother is getting married. Jackson is getting a new father and a new sister, and he's a little nervous about being in the new family. At the wedding he's going to be the ring bearer and his new sister Sophia is the flower girl. Jackson is afraid he's going to trip and walks slowly, but Sophia runs and trips. Jackson sees it coming and catches her. Everybody is proud of him for being a good big brother, and he starts to feel more confident and more comfortable.

Realistic art, relatable setting and feelings, positive family interactions and message. I'd recommend this to anybody.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson has a big responsibility to take care of and carry the rings when his mama marries Bill, but he worries that he may not be is up to the challenge. What if he drops them at the ceremony even after practicing walking slowly?

The flowergirl, Jackson's step-sister-to be, Sophie, seems so sure of herself as they head down the aisle until she trips. Jackson saves the day and you just know this is the beginning of a blended family that will continue to say "I do" to each other from this day foreward.

Amen, amen to Mr. Cooper's beautifully rendered illustrations!

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book! A little boy and his sister are going to be in a family wedding for their mom. He is going to be the ring bearer and is nervous. He learns how to overcome his fears and be a big brother at the same time. Great lesson and illustrations are outstanding. Highly recommended for Grades K-2.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about a little boy worried about the forming of his new family. His Mama is getting married and he is worried about being the ring bearer, having a new sister, and having a new Dad. It would be a great book to read to a young child going through a similar situation.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful tale about adjusting to new things in life when you are front-and-center for all to see. Young Jackson is worried about being a ring bearer at his Mama's wedding, about calling Bill "Dad" and about being a new big brother to Sophie. Grandpa coaches him and Sophie on how to walk down the aisle, but will that be enough? A warmhearted tale about blending families, a loving Grandpop, and taking on new responsibilities with charming illustrations.

[Eunique Sneed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a family wedding. The theme is about this young boy named Jackson being nervous about being the ring bearer in his parent´s wedding. I chose this book because it was eye-catching. My little brother and I were the ring bearer and flower girl in our cousin¨s wedding years back, and it reminded me of that memory. I would recommend this book to a young boy preparing to participate in a wedding.

[Sydney Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also chose this book because there were black children on it. I loved this book because it is about the pressure of becoming a big sibling and having a new family. I related to this book because I was adopted, I have step-siblings, and half-siblings. Although, none of the matters because family is family no matter what.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying Floyd Cooper's books. He is a very talented man.
Story about a small boy who is nervous about his mother's upcoming remarriage, his role in the wedding, and getting a new little sister. The day of the wedding comes and Jackson learns that he is up to the roles he is being asked to take on and that he is part of a new family.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give this to every kids who has been asked to participate in a wedding, or who is worried about being in a new, blended family.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet. A book about being a big brother.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful! The expressions on these children's faces... I can't. It even made my tough ol' husband cry.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betsy Bird's review of this picture book is spot on: it's lovely in every way.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darling story with a message...

[kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I choked up a little - such a great story!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely!

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story, interesting illos.

[Darlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This is such a good book that creates so many good conversations and lessons . I love it ! Thank you Floyd Cooper

[Christy Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this picture book in an article that a Facebook friend recommended on 30 Children's Books featuring black male protagonists (you can read the article here: http://bit.ly/2Wd3X9s). So...you'll be seeing quite a few picture book reviews from me for a while, even though I have no children of my own, but have a strong love for children's literature and picture books in general and like to keep abreast of what new books are on the market for children (to buy for presents, to use in education or religious settings or just to enjoy on my own). When I find books that also broaden the predominant norms and depict characters from a diverse array of racial, ability, gender, religious and ethnic settings (to name just a few traits), all the better.

The Ring Bearer is both written and illustrated by Floyd sooper who apparently has dozens of other children's books to his credit but is a new to me artist. I loved the

[Christina Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson had a big job to do. He's the ring bearer and he wants to make his mother proud but he's worried about dropping the rings. He's worried about being a big brother to his new little sister Sophie and he wonders what it will be like to call Bill "Dad." They'd all soon become a family and he was a bundle of excitement and nerves but he was ready.

There aren't too many picture books that I've seen that addresses becoming part of a blended family and Floyd Cooper does that well in the pages of The Ring Bearer. He captures the sweet innocence of each child in the moments that they worry and in their victory of overcoming the obstacles they face (not dropping the wedding rings, for instance). You don't have to be a part of a blended family to enjoy this book but if you are or soon will be, let this book inspire your young reader.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

At my all-volunteer-run bookstore, where I volunteer, we were fortunate to have this book by Floyd Cooper donated. It's a joy to read and see Cooper's beautiful illustrations of a moment in a young boy's life where he wants to be the best he can be, yet worries about things! Young Jackson's mother is getting married and he is to be the ring bearer. What if he trips? How will it be to have a stepsister named Sophie and a new family? Children do worry about stuff and Jackson is no different but the outcome of what Cooper's story shows makes me want to stand and applaud. It is a wonderful story.
This time, a plus is that this happens to be one of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library books, so I get to see how the book is presented. It has sturdy covers and a description of her program on the back flap.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The momentous job of being a ring bearer in a relative's wedding is the subject of this warm, sweet picture book. Jackson is the ring bearer and he is worried about how that will go. He is also worried about whether his new, younger stepsister Sophie is okay with her job of carrying the flowers. Of course, the overarching theme is the merger of two families, and Jackson's gentle care of his new sister is just lovely. The illustrations, executed using a subtractive process, evoke the specialness of the day with an almost impressionistic feel for this loving African American family. I especially like that the perspective is from the little boy - many wedding themed picture books seem to feature little girls.

[Alexis Fritz]

Jackson is the ring bearer for his mama's wedding. Before he walks down the aisle, he starts to get nervous about tripping in front of everyone and losing the rings. When the time comes to walk down the aisle, his step sister is the one who trips and without thinking, Jackson runs and catches her. Jackson and his new step sister walk down the aisle together and then he realizes that there was nothing to be worried about. He was great at his important job.

I think this would be a good book to use to help children boost they confidence. Remind them that they can be nervous/scared and still do the thing that is making them feel the way they are feeling.

[Mackenzie Wooden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book puts an easy-to-read, child-friendly spin on the approach to blended families. It allows students to read about weddings and new step-parents/step-siblings but without all the "grown-up" language and talk. Overall, this book is a good choice for young readers who may become a part of a blended family. There is more talk about Jackson becoming the ring bearer, but overall the book is still a cute option.

[Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is cute. The boy is nervous about being a ringbearer, but he’s a very good big brother, which gives him confidence not to worry.

I love the facial expressions in this book I can see these images as images of real people instead of just a random cartoon thing. The emotion is expressed well, and the detail in the portraits are really amazing.

Paintings were created using a subtractive process. The medium is mixed media.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson's mom is getting married and he has a very important job to do. He's very nervous about taking the rings down the aisle. He's also nervous about having a new dad and being a big brother to his new sister. When she almost trips running down the aisle, Jackson catches her and saves the day! After that, he's not so nervous any more.

Good for preschool storytimes.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much YES. Black narratives. Blended families. The nerves and excitement of getting a big important job to do as a little one. Relationships and family care over objects and unattainable perfection. Just grab this one and read it to your kiddo. So glad we added it to our children's collection here at the library.