The Scarecrows' Wedding
By Julia Donaldson
The Story
Two scarecrows, Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay, fall in love and plan a wedding in the fields, gathering the farm's animals and birds to help them celebrate.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's obsessed with weddings and wants every detail — the flowers, the food, the dress — this one plays out in rhyme across a sunny farm.
- Big idea: Love means showing up for each other, and a celebration is sweeter when the whole community pitches in.
- Vibes: Sunny, festive, and rhythmic, with a warm country-fair charm.
Perfect For Kids Who
- love rhyming and finishing the last word
- enjoy stories about farms and animals
- are curious about weddings and celebrations
- like to spot familiar farmyard characters on every page
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story details: What jobs do the farm animals do to help Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay get ready for their wedding?
- Imagination: If you were planning a wedding for two scarecrows, what would you want the field to look like?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Betty and Harry feel about each other?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever helped plan a party or celebration for someone you love?
- Vocabulary & rhyme: Can you think of a word that rhymes with 'hay' like Harry O'Hay's name?
