Fans of this sweet Cobble Street Cousins series may recall the first book, In Aunt Lucy's Kitchen (1999), in which Rosie, Lily, and Tess meet Michael Livingston, a young man who has a secret crush on their Aunt Lucy. Now, a year and five books later, Michael is about to become their uncle. The 10-year-old cousins (Rosie and Lily are actually sisters, not cousins; Tess is their cousin) are to be bridesmaids, and they have been asked to help plan the wedding because, as Aunt Lucy puts it, they are best at making things fun. That's what makes the cousins so appealing; they are curious and creative, and they find great joy in everything they do. Artsy girls who are ready for chapter books will love the children's short, lighthearted adventures and want to follow the series into the middle grades. Halperin's illustrations, not available for review here, will more than likely be similar to those in the previous books: lovely pencil drawings with exquisite detail.

Illustrated with black-and-white drawings, this sixth book about the cousins is the most effusively sweet yet. The text is full of "so happy," "so thrilled," and "so good," as the three girls prepare for and enjoy their aunt's wedding. The plot is entirely without tension and relies on characterizations developed in earlier books. This latest installment will not likely draw converts to the series.

Gr 2-3-Fans of this sweet series will know to expect extra frosting on their wedding cake. In this installment, Lily, Tess, and Rosie combine their trademark enthusiasm and cooperation to create a sunny morning for Aunt Lucy's marriage. The angelic 10-year-olds seldom encounter conflict, which may explain why they have so much energy to pour into their projects. Rylant's balance of action and dialogue keeps the wedding-related activities moving along. Halperin's extensive spot art underscores the pleasant spirit, and provides the visual breaks that chapter-book readers crave. Rylant's positive-minded cousins continue to counterbalance the wisecracking heroes of other chapter-book series.-Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.