The Un-Wedding

The Un-Wedding by Babette Cole

Controversial picture book

Ages 6-12

Two stars

            Mr. and Mrs. Ogglebutt hated each other, and their children started to think they were the ones who caused them to hate each other.  They asked their pastor for help and he suggested an un-wedding.  Un-wedding invitations were sent out, an un-wedding cake was ordered, they said “I Don’t”, and they even had their own un-wedding honeymoons.  The children had two houses built for each parent and everyone lived happily ever after apart.

            This book makes divorces sound like a happy affair.  And the kids benefit from it because they get two of everything now.  Cole never says “divorce” in the book, but it is definitely implied.   This solution would work metaphorically, but I feel that Cole is ignoring the confusion and worry that can sometimes tag along with a separation of parents.  Also, a pastor would never agree to host an un-wedding.  The water colored pictures are light and funny.

            I feel that this would go well with the younger kids who are going through divorce because they need to understand that it is for the better and that they aren’t the only ones going through it.  There is a part in the book where the kids post a sign at school saying there will be a meeting after school for kids with problem parents, and a lot of students show up.  It would be a good starting point for a discussion with a student about a divorce.