The Wedding of Q and U

About the Book

Why does the letter Q always bring U along?

Step into Syllable City, where letters come to life and one very special wedding makes reading unforgettable!

The Wedding of Q and U is a heartwarming and educational tale designed especially for early elementary readers. When the letter Q feels left out, she sets off on a journey to find a lifelong partner—and discovers that the letter U is the perfect match! Together, they form a unique sound found in many everyday words.

Inspired by author Denise Dillon-Hreha’s real-life classroom experiences, this story began as a beloved Kindergarten and first-grade tradition: a mock classroom wedding that helped students remember the rule that "Q is almost always followed by U." Now, teachers and parents can bring the same magical learning moment into their own classrooms or homes.

With colorful illustrations and teachable moments woven throughout, this book is more than a story—it’s a tool that makes phonics fun, memorable, and meaningful.

• A perfect read-aloud for Pre-K to Grade 1 classrooms and early readers at home
• Reinforces key spelling rules in a playful and creative way
• Loved by educators as a classroom tradition and literacy resource
• Helps every child remember: Q and U are always a team!

About the Author

Denise Dillon-Hreha is a special education teacher in Howell, New Jersey. She has been an elementary school educator for the past twelve years. Denise has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education/English in 1996 and a Master’s Degree in Special Education in 2001 from Kean University. She is certified to become a school principal or supervisor. Denise is currently writing her dissertation to earn her doctoral degree from Seton Hall University in 2007. She has taught as an adjunct professor at the graduate level. Denise’s two young children, Chloe and Aidan, have been an inspiration to many of her ideas. She has been reading to them since birth, hoping to share and instill her love of reading. The illustrator, Sheri Mathews, has been a friend for many, many years through high school and college.