Daddy's Wedding

The sequel to the headline-making Daddy's Roommate (1990), this picture book seems destined to touch off a similar controversy. This time Daddy is getting married to his partner, Frank, and asks his 10-year-old son to be the best man at their ""wedding"" (or ""commitment ceremony,"" as Frank calls it). If the reception of Daddy's Roommate is much of a predictor, people's responses to this book will center almost exclusively on its politics, not its artistic merits. Those in the market for picture books about gay parenting will laud Willhoite's candor and forthright approach, and overlook the cartoonish art and mediocre text. For others, the subject matter alone will suffice to condemn the book. If applied to another theme, the meager talents showcased here wouldn't draw much attention, but with same-sex marriage such a hot topic right now, the one thing the book won't be is ignored. Ages 3-7. (June)