In this companion to Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse , readers will discover a funny, poignant tale about facing life’s disappointments and celebrating happy surprises. Lilly's favorite teacher, Mr. Slinger, is getting married, and Lilly is going to be his flower girl! Well, Lilly, thinks she is going to be his flower girl. It turns out that Mr. Slinger's niece Ginger is the official flower girl. But Lilly rises to the occasion as only Lilly can, turning heartbreak into wedding cake (a delicious three-tiered frosted Swiss cheese, no less), and disappointment into friendship! A #1  New York Times  bestseller by Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes. This award-winning and beautifully illustrated picture book about friendship, perseverance, loyalty, love, weddings, and family is the companion to the bestselling classic  Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse . “Lilly is one of the great female characters in literature―like Anna Karenina with whiskers or Scarlett O’Hara with paws.” - USA Today “Caldecott Award winner Kevin Henkes once again demonstrates perfect pitch for the emotional lives of the very young. Lilly, of course, understands the true truth: the flower girl is more important than the bride.” - Chicago Tribune Get ready for the biggest day of Lilly's life! Lilly's favorite teacher, Mr. Slinger, is getting married, and Lilly has exciting plans. She is going to be the flower girl at the wedding! At least she thinks she is. . . . Oh, dear. It turns out that Mr. Slinger's niece, Ginger, is going to be the flower girl. But Lilly rises to the occasion as only Lilly can, turning heartbreak into wedding cake (a delicious three-tiered frosted Swiss cheese, no less) and disappointment into friendship. Kevin Henkes has been praised both as a writer and as an illustrator and is the recipient of the Children’s Literature Legacy Award for his lasting contribution to literature for children. He received the Caldecott Medal for  Kitten’s First Full Moon ; Caldecott Honors for  Waiting  and  Owen ; two Newbery Honors, one for  Olive’s Ocean  and one for  The Year of Billy Miller ; and Geisel Honors for  Waiting  and  Penny and Her Marble . His other books include  The World and Everything in It , A House ,  A Parade of Elephants ,  Chrysanthemum , and the beloved  Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse . Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin.