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Sydney and Taylor #3
Sydney and Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year In this laugh-out-loud early chapter book with charming full-color illustrations, best-selling author Jacqueline Davies follows hedgehog Taylor and skunk Sydney as they set out on an adventure to make new friends, even through doubt and obstacles. Perfect for fans of the Mercy Watson and Owl Diaries series. Sydney and Taylor have been best friends since before they can remember. But how does one make new friends? Taylor wants to try, so Sydney does what any best friend would accompany him on his biggest adventure yet! When sincere compliments and gifts of friendship don't lead anywhere, Sydney and Taylor may need to look where they least expect . . . This hilarious chapter-book buddy story, illustrated with expressive full-color art, highlights the importance of friendships old and new .
80 pages, Hardcover
Published March 8, 2022
About the author
Jacqueline Davies
32 books287 followersJacqueline Davies is the author of both novels and picture books. She lives in Needham, Massachusetts with her three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 30, 2021
This is the second book that I have read by Ms. Davies and I loved it!! My 7 year old grandson read it and loved it. The illustrations are detailed and really cute. The illustrator is Deborah Hocking and she is so talented and knows what kids like!
We especially loved the beginning of the book that showed the burrow that Sydney and Taylor lived in. There were 7 rooms including bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, etc. We loved looking at all of the little animal sized furniture, cookware, books, etc.
The two main characters are Sydney, a skunk, and Taylor, a hedgehog. They have been friends for as long as they can remember and live together in a burrow under the ground.
Sydney is more of a homebody and likes to do crossword puzzles and read. Taylor is creative and likes to make art projects and other things out of acorns. Taylor likes to take adventures in The Big Wide World!!!!
One day Taylor tells Sydney that he has a Big Idea!! “We should make friends!” said Taylor. Make friends?” asked Sydney. Why?” Taylor tells Sydney “They could have parties and picnics. They could even have dances in the Backyard under a bright full moon. It will be our biggest adventure yet!”
Sydney finally goes along with Taylor’s plan because they are best friends!
Without giving away all of the story I will tell you that they eventually make friends with a bat, a screw and a rabbit. They learn how to make friends by giving nice compliments, being friendly and helping each other out! During a large rainstorm when the burrow is filled with water they learn how wonderful it is to have friends, even human ones like Miss Nancy!
I can highly recommend this book either as a read to book for younger children or a read it yourself chapter book for early readers. There are lots of laugh out loud moments so adults will enjoy reading along with their child. There are wonderful life lessons to be learned in all of Ms. Davies books.
This book will publish on February 8, 2022
We especially loved the beginning of the book that showed the burrow that Sydney and Taylor lived in. There were 7 rooms including bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, etc. We loved looking at all of the little animal sized furniture, cookware, books, etc.
The two main characters are Sydney, a skunk, and Taylor, a hedgehog. They have been friends for as long as they can remember and live together in a burrow under the ground.
Sydney is more of a homebody and likes to do crossword puzzles and read. Taylor is creative and likes to make art projects and other things out of acorns. Taylor likes to take adventures in The Big Wide World!!!!
One day Taylor tells Sydney that he has a Big Idea!! “We should make friends!” said Taylor. Make friends?” asked Sydney. Why?” Taylor tells Sydney “They could have parties and picnics. They could even have dances in the Backyard under a bright full moon. It will be our biggest adventure yet!”
Sydney finally goes along with Taylor’s plan because they are best friends!
Without giving away all of the story I will tell you that they eventually make friends with a bat, a screw and a rabbit. They learn how to make friends by giving nice compliments, being friendly and helping each other out! During a large rainstorm when the burrow is filled with water they learn how wonderful it is to have friends, even human ones like Miss Nancy!
I can highly recommend this book either as a read to book for younger children or a read it yourself chapter book for early readers. There are lots of laugh out loud moments so adults will enjoy reading along with their child. There are wonderful life lessons to be learned in all of Ms. Davies books.
This book will publish on February 8, 2022
August 3, 2023
Sydney and Taylor depart their cozy burrow on a journey to make more friends in this beautiful edition to the book series. This story about the importance of friendship and the trials of making new friends is honest and heartwarming. It includes gorgeous illustrations that keep kids engaged to pull you right into the story. It’s a perfect series for early readers just starting out with chapter books. We loved everything about it! My youngest has enjoyed them all.
5-stars
5-stars
June 6, 2022
I really want to love these books but something about them always leaves me a little unsettled. This one is clearly meant to be about the struggles and joys of friendship, of stepping beyond your comfort zone to help a friend in need, and of realizing that sometimes friendship comes from an unlikely source. I appreciate all of that. And the illustrations are adorable (love the cut-away of their multi-room burrow with the cute furniture)
However, I just can't quite get over the feeling that the message isn't delivered in the best way. For example, it's great that Taylor wants to make new friends... but why does Sydney have to? Sydney really prefers to stay home and is perfectly content with just Taylor as his BFF. To which I say, what is wrong with that? Some of us are introverts, that's okay! Why does Taylor feel the need to coax Sydney or ask Sydney to go with him to try and make new friends? Perhaps Taylor isn't quite as brave as he lets on? Perhaps it's very kind of Sydney to step out of his comfort zone to help his friend. But I just got this uncomfortable feeling about how it was presented. It was as if it wasn't okay that the introvert was comfortable with himself; like he was missing out on something if he didn't go try to make more friends. So many children's books celebrate extroverts -- and certainly that's great! -- but when I come across a happy introvert character it makes me sad to see him be compelled to change.
Also, it annoyed me that all the creatures they try to befriend dismiss them -- until there's a big storm and the creatures need shelter, at which point they bang on Sydney and Taylor's door and suddenly can't wait to spend time with them. Again, maybe the point is that the storm caused the new creatures to have to spend time with Sydney and Taylor and they realized they actually got along well. I love a good unexpected friendship story, but this one just didn't feel right to me—it felt a little too much like taking advantage of someone's kindness to me. That said, most readers love this series so perhaps it's just touching a nerve for me.
However, I just can't quite get over the feeling that the message isn't delivered in the best way. For example, it's great that Taylor wants to make new friends... but why does Sydney have to? Sydney really prefers to stay home and is perfectly content with just Taylor as his BFF. To which I say, what is wrong with that? Some of us are introverts, that's okay! Why does Taylor feel the need to coax Sydney or ask Sydney to go with him to try and make new friends? Perhaps Taylor isn't quite as brave as he lets on? Perhaps it's very kind of Sydney to step out of his comfort zone to help his friend. But I just got this uncomfortable feeling about how it was presented. It was as if it wasn't okay that the introvert was comfortable with himself; like he was missing out on something if he didn't go try to make more friends. So many children's books celebrate extroverts -- and certainly that's great! -- but when I come across a happy introvert character it makes me sad to see him be compelled to change.
Also, it annoyed me that all the creatures they try to befriend dismiss them -- until there's a big storm and the creatures need shelter, at which point they bang on Sydney and Taylor's door and suddenly can't wait to spend time with them. Again, maybe the point is that the storm caused the new creatures to have to spend time with Sydney and Taylor and they realized they actually got along well. I love a good unexpected friendship story, but this one just didn't feel right to me—it felt a little too much like taking advantage of someone's kindness to me. That said, most readers love this series so perhaps it's just touching a nerve for me.
July 26, 2023
Reviewed March 13, 2022 on Amazon (apparently my GR didn’t take) We received an advanced e-copy for review
“So I have to admit that I am not familiar with this adorable duo. But we were big fans of piggy and elephant and toad and frog so I thought we would give this a go! As two friends, one is an introvert and one an extrovert. Just the description of the pair provided good talking points for my son as he encounters new friends at school —after all, someone who is your complete opposite can end up being your best friend!
However, I feel like the odd man out with this review. I realize it’s supposed to be a fun children’s story, but in reading with my son, it was difficult to discuss that in life, some people will use you. Nobody wanted to be friends with Taylor, despite his loving efforts and gift. In fact they were pretty rude with their rejections. But wouldn’t you know it, when the big rain comes, now everybody wishes they were friends with him so they could come into the dry, warm home… hmmm —that didn’t sit right with me. I told my son that I didn’t feel comfortable with him ever letting others walk all over him because you have something they don’t.
I realize this was not the author’s intent and the series is clearly popular!! It just wasn’t for our family. we do enjoy the authors many other series for older kids.
“So I have to admit that I am not familiar with this adorable duo. But we were big fans of piggy and elephant and toad and frog so I thought we would give this a go! As two friends, one is an introvert and one an extrovert. Just the description of the pair provided good talking points for my son as he encounters new friends at school —after all, someone who is your complete opposite can end up being your best friend!
However, I feel like the odd man out with this review. I realize it’s supposed to be a fun children’s story, but in reading with my son, it was difficult to discuss that in life, some people will use you. Nobody wanted to be friends with Taylor, despite his loving efforts and gift. In fact they were pretty rude with their rejections. But wouldn’t you know it, when the big rain comes, now everybody wishes they were friends with him so they could come into the dry, warm home… hmmm —that didn’t sit right with me. I told my son that I didn’t feel comfortable with him ever letting others walk all over him because you have something they don’t.
I realize this was not the author’s intent and the series is clearly popular!! It just wasn’t for our family. we do enjoy the authors many other series for older kids.
January 28, 2025
First read aloud with Mr. 4 this year. This was my favourite out of the entire series.
September 15, 2025
4 stars, not 5 stars because the girls didn't like when the burrow flooded. Too scary!
I hope there are more books in this series!
I hope there are more books in this series!
October 12, 2021
I received a free digital ARC from Clarion Books via NetGalley. This 3rd book in the series was another fabulous addition for emerging chapter book readers. Sydney and Taylor are on an adventure to find new friends. Sydney doesn’t really want to make new friends, but because Taylor wants to he agrees to go out and make friends. There are ups and downs, teamwork, and references to the previous books. This book stresses what a “sincere compliment” is and it was a good discussion to have with my son. Recommended.
October 1, 2021
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. I had to request it because it had a hedgehog as a character. Sydney and Taylor have a great friendship but would like a few more friends. This can be difficult when you're a skunk and a hedgehog. I didn't realize this was a series when I began reading and would recommend reading them in order to have a better understanding of the setting and other characters in the story. It was; however, a delightful tale, and I would recommend it to readers who like the Owl Diaries.
March 14, 2021
First sentence: Sydney and Taylor live in a burrow under Miss Nancy’s potting shed. Most days are quiet. Sydney likes to do crossword puzzles. Taylor likes to make acorn sculptures. But sometimes Taylor gets a Big Idea. Sydney wishes Taylor did not get so many ideas. He would rather stay home.
Premise/plot: Sydney and Taylor are friends--best friends. But that doesn't stop Taylor from wanting to make other friends. And he wants Sydney to be just as excited to make new friends. He has a plan, a big plan.
It is the third book in the Sydney and Taylor early chapter book series published by HMH. The first two are Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World and Sydney and Taylor Take a Flying Leap. Both books are 2021 publications. (Sadly I didn't have access to review copies of those two).
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! Though it was the third in the series, I think it works even as a stand alone. It did make me want to read the other two books. And I'd definitely want to read any future books starring these two friends. The books are funny, cute, charming.
I identified most with Sydney:
“I don’t like adventures,” said Sydney. “They make me late for lunch.”
“Sydney? Do you think the other animals like us?” “Of course they don’t!” said Sydney, cheerfully. “You’re prickly and I stink!” “Well, no one’s perfect!” said Taylor. “Exactly,” said Sydney. “That’s why we should keep things as they are.”
“Sydney,” whispered Taylor, doing his best to keep his spine straight. “I am going to make pleasant conversation.” Taylor had read several books in which characters became friends by having a pleasant conversation.
Premise/plot: Sydney and Taylor are friends--best friends. But that doesn't stop Taylor from wanting to make other friends. And he wants Sydney to be just as excited to make new friends. He has a plan, a big plan.
It is the third book in the Sydney and Taylor early chapter book series published by HMH. The first two are Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World and Sydney and Taylor Take a Flying Leap. Both books are 2021 publications. (Sadly I didn't have access to review copies of those two).
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! Though it was the third in the series, I think it works even as a stand alone. It did make me want to read the other two books. And I'd definitely want to read any future books starring these two friends. The books are funny, cute, charming.
I identified most with Sydney:
“I don’t like adventures,” said Sydney. “They make me late for lunch.”
“Sydney? Do you think the other animals like us?” “Of course they don’t!” said Sydney, cheerfully. “You’re prickly and I stink!” “Well, no one’s perfect!” said Taylor. “Exactly,” said Sydney. “That’s why we should keep things as they are.”
“Sydney,” whispered Taylor, doing his best to keep his spine straight. “I am going to make pleasant conversation.” Taylor had read several books in which characters became friends by having a pleasant conversation.
February 1, 2022
I always enjoy reading books for children, from picture books to Middle Grade and on up to YA. This early chapter book has delightful illustrations of talking animals that children are sure to love. The story line offers adults the opportunity to talk about a valuable part of life: making and keeping friends. Sydney the skunk is happy with one good buddy, Taylor the adorable hedgehog has a fun being the roommate with Sydney in their burrow but wants more friends. The animals talk about ways to be a good friend, such as making polite conversation with sincere compliments. There also is a scary crisis when the burrow floods during a heavy rain, and a human friend saves the multiple animals' lives by providing a tube to suction out the water. When thinking about reading this book to children, I felt there might be a couple of questions or moments of confusion. The transition from chapter 1 which was a discussion about making friends leads into chapter 2 which has overdone bread burning in Sydney and Taylor's toaster. I thought a smoother transition would involve the toast possibly burning because Taylor started crying from loneliness and didn't pay attention - or just something to connect the incident with the friend topic. Later, when the human friend sticks a tube into the burrow to suction out the water, I was surprised that the woman was out during a rainstorm and that she knew and cared about Sydney and Taylor's burrow. There did not seem to be a clear introduction of this woman as their friend.
January 15, 2024
Sydney and Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition
oleh Jacqueline Davies
3.5 dari 5 bintang
Bagi Si Landak Taylor, punya ide besar itu akan selalu baik dan penting bagi kehidupan. Tapi, enggak demikian dengan Si Sigung Sidney. Terkadang, Sydney juga bertanya-tanya, kenapa sih Taylor suka banget mencetuskan ide-ide besar? Bukannya lebih enak bersantai di rumah—lubang—bawah tanah mereka yang nyaman?
Tapi, tentu sebagai sahabat sejati, Sidney tidak bisa membiarkan ide besar Taylor begitu saja. Ia pun, tetap membantu Taylor mewujudkan mimpi-mimpi itu.
Kali ini, Taylor ingin mencoba menemukan teman. Bagi Sydney, ide ini cukup ridiculous karena siapa sih yang mau berteman dengan Sigung yang bau dan Landak yang berduri? Yang benar saja. Sebagai permulaan, Sydney mengajak Taylor ke halaman belakang rumah Miss Nancy. Di sanalah Sydney mulai mencoba mencari teman baru.
Seperti biasa, graphic book ini memang sederhana sekali. Tidak terlalu ada hal heboh yang diceritakan. Cukup soal persahabatan antara Taylor dan Sydney yang unik. Satu hal yang paling ku ingat adalah ucapan Sydney ke Taylor.
Tentunya, hal yang paling ku suka adalah kehadiran Miss Nancy. Sepertinya dia memang menyadari kehadiran dari dua hewan kecil ini di bawah rumahnya hehe.
oleh Jacqueline Davies
3.5 dari 5 bintang
Bagi Si Landak Taylor, punya ide besar itu akan selalu baik dan penting bagi kehidupan. Tapi, enggak demikian dengan Si Sigung Sidney. Terkadang, Sydney juga bertanya-tanya, kenapa sih Taylor suka banget mencetuskan ide-ide besar? Bukannya lebih enak bersantai di rumah—lubang—bawah tanah mereka yang nyaman?
Tapi, tentu sebagai sahabat sejati, Sidney tidak bisa membiarkan ide besar Taylor begitu saja. Ia pun, tetap membantu Taylor mewujudkan mimpi-mimpi itu.
Kali ini, Taylor ingin mencoba menemukan teman. Bagi Sydney, ide ini cukup ridiculous karena siapa sih yang mau berteman dengan Sigung yang bau dan Landak yang berduri? Yang benar saja. Sebagai permulaan, Sydney mengajak Taylor ke halaman belakang rumah Miss Nancy. Di sanalah Sydney mulai mencoba mencari teman baru.
Seperti biasa, graphic book ini memang sederhana sekali. Tidak terlalu ada hal heboh yang diceritakan. Cukup soal persahabatan antara Taylor dan Sydney yang unik. Satu hal yang paling ku ingat adalah ucapan Sydney ke Taylor.
"Friends are like that great tree root over there. They show up when you least expect them!. Of course, then you can never get rid of them!"
Tentunya, hal yang paling ku suka adalah kehadiran Miss Nancy. Sepertinya dia memang menyadari kehadiran dari dua hewan kecil ini di bawah rumahnya hehe.
June 10, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group - HMH Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am familiar with the Sydney and Taylor series and our young patrons love them and the adventures they get themselves into. There is no big adventure than making new friends. A friend can be anyone that can give you a compliment and share wonderful stories with but in order to make friends, you have to be a friend to them. The friends Sydney and Taylor make are the friends that would be unexpecting to humans such as a bat, rabbit and shrew and then when you meet one friend, they'll introduce you to another friend and then your friendship chain will grow and they will be there when you need them and of course, you will be there for them if they need you. Children will learn a lot from the brilliant theme Jacqueline Davies has created and of course Deborah Hocking's illustrations will definitely help bring the story to life.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I am familiar with the Sydney and Taylor series and our young patrons love them and the adventures they get themselves into. There is no big adventure than making new friends. A friend can be anyone that can give you a compliment and share wonderful stories with but in order to make friends, you have to be a friend to them. The friends Sydney and Taylor make are the friends that would be unexpecting to humans such as a bat, rabbit and shrew and then when you meet one friend, they'll introduce you to another friend and then your friendship chain will grow and they will be there when you need them and of course, you will be there for them if they need you. Children will learn a lot from the brilliant theme Jacqueline Davies has created and of course Deborah Hocking's illustrations will definitely help bring the story to life.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
September 23, 2021
This is an early chapter book that will grab your students' interest from the very first page. If you're wondering what reading level this book is for, I would compare it to the Branches imprint publishing. (It may even be from Branches, but I did not find any confirming information.) Your fans of Unicorn Diaries, Owl Diaries, and Ella and Owen will enjoy new characters and the accessible text. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. There's a lot to get out of them, so I would recommend giving children a heads up to examine the illustrations too.
As far as the story itself goes, I love the storyline of two best friends going out to make more friends. It seems most children feel like they can only have one friend at a time and this story will help demonstrate that it is normal and healthy to have many friends! Kids may also glean some fun "making friends" tips throughout the story.
As far as the story itself goes, I love the storyline of two best friends going out to make more friends. It seems most children feel like they can only have one friend at a time and this story will help demonstrate that it is normal and healthy to have many friends! Kids may also glean some fun "making friends" tips throughout the story.
February 11, 2022
Taylor decides to make a new friend. Sydney just wants to stay home in their burrow. Taylor drags Sydney alone to find some friends.
Nothing seems to go right and no one seems to want to make friends so they go home. As they are hanging out a storm begins and they end up with those they came across throughout their day. They are looking for a safe place to get out of the storm and Taylor and Sydney let them hang out with them.
Then the water starts to leak into their burrow and when they think they are done for there is a hose that is dropped in from Miss Nancy to save the day.
So, will Taylor and Sydney get the friends they want after all?
This is a simple story of friendship and how sometimes you can try so hard to make friends but they will come in their own time.
As a beginner chapter book this would be perfect for a elementary school or teacher’s library. This is worth picking up for a young child.
Nothing seems to go right and no one seems to want to make friends so they go home. As they are hanging out a storm begins and they end up with those they came across throughout their day. They are looking for a safe place to get out of the storm and Taylor and Sydney let them hang out with them.
Then the water starts to leak into their burrow and when they think they are done for there is a hose that is dropped in from Miss Nancy to save the day.
So, will Taylor and Sydney get the friends they want after all?
This is a simple story of friendship and how sometimes you can try so hard to make friends but they will come in their own time.
As a beginner chapter book this would be perfect for a elementary school or teacher’s library. This is worth picking up for a young child.
April 26, 2021
Thank you to Netgally for providing this advanced readers copy.
This early chapter book is great for fans of "Ivy and Bean" or "The Owl Diaries". Not only are the illustrations super cute and remind me of Winnie the Pooh, but they do a great job to push the story along. This story is all about friendships. You have the friendship of Sydney and Taylor who are best friends and slight outcast being a hedgehog and Skunk. You have the friendships formed with all the other animals in the area, these friendships seem non-existent at first, but after a crisis they really bond. Finally, you see the friendship with the woman who owns the house they have burrowed under. Not only is this an invisible friendship, but she saves them when they are in real trouble. Overall, I highly recommend this series for emerging readers.
This early chapter book is great for fans of "Ivy and Bean" or "The Owl Diaries". Not only are the illustrations super cute and remind me of Winnie the Pooh, but they do a great job to push the story along. This story is all about friendships. You have the friendship of Sydney and Taylor who are best friends and slight outcast being a hedgehog and Skunk. You have the friendships formed with all the other animals in the area, these friendships seem non-existent at first, but after a crisis they really bond. Finally, you see the friendship with the woman who owns the house they have burrowed under. Not only is this an invisible friendship, but she saves them when they are in real trouble. Overall, I highly recommend this series for emerging readers.
December 17, 2021
Taylor and Sydney are very good friends who live in a burrow beneath Miss Nancy's garden shed.
Sydney likes to stay at home, and Taylor wants to make more friends. They decide on a definition of friendship (maybe not what you or I would think), and start their adventure.
This is a charming tale; one you can read over and over, and even use different voices if you like to. I enjoyed it very much, and recommend it as a gift or an addition to anyone's library.
It's a fun, simple, and fanciful chapter story with some long words, but easily understood by most youngsters with a word or two of explanation. I always loved expanding my vocabulary while reading,so I hope parents won't discourage it!
5/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook!
#SydneyandTaylorandtheGreatFriendExpedition #NetGalley
Sydney likes to stay at home, and Taylor wants to make more friends. They decide on a definition of friendship (maybe not what you or I would think), and start their adventure.
This is a charming tale; one you can read over and over, and even use different voices if you like to. I enjoyed it very much, and recommend it as a gift or an addition to anyone's library.
It's a fun, simple, and fanciful chapter story with some long words, but easily understood by most youngsters with a word or two of explanation. I always loved expanding my vocabulary while reading,so I hope parents won't discourage it!
5/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook!
#SydneyandTaylorandtheGreatFriendExpedition #NetGalley
April 16, 2022
I will immediately be recommending this series to our primary teachers as one they must have in their classroom libraries! In just a few pages I grew to really feel for Sydney and Taylor and I know students will as well. There were also so many lines that I just thought were marvelously creative and that I enjoyed reading that I know they will serve as good mentor texts for young writers as well. Some of my favorite lines include Sydney (the skunk) telling Taylor (the hedgehog) why they don't have other friends, "You're prickly and I stink." to which Taylor replies, "Well, no one's perfect." I also especially loved when Taylor gets nervous he rolls into a ball and Sydney treats him like a ball and rolls him home. This book was sweet, smart, and had great messages to impart. What a great younger grade series!
April 28, 2022
"Friends are like that great tree root over there. They show up when you least expect them!"
Sydney likes the keep things they way they are, cozy in his burrow with his one friend Taylor. But sometimes, Taylor gets "big ideas" and he wants to have an adventure. Taylor's big idea this time is to make new friends so that they can have parties and dances. But how do you go about making friends? Sydney has some ideas, though he's worried once they make friends, the friends won't ever go away. Sydney suggests they try pleasant conversation (shrew is startled and runs away), sincere compliments (bat doesn't seem to hear them), gifts of friendship (rabbit wants to eat the gift from Taylor). None of these suggestions work as well as they had hoped or did they?
When a dramatic rainstorm hits the area, that's when the fruits of friendship are seen.
Sydney likes the keep things they way they are, cozy in his burrow with his one friend Taylor. But sometimes, Taylor gets "big ideas" and he wants to have an adventure. Taylor's big idea this time is to make new friends so that they can have parties and dances. But how do you go about making friends? Sydney has some ideas, though he's worried once they make friends, the friends won't ever go away. Sydney suggests they try pleasant conversation (shrew is startled and runs away), sincere compliments (bat doesn't seem to hear them), gifts of friendship (rabbit wants to eat the gift from Taylor). None of these suggestions work as well as they had hoped or did they?
When a dramatic rainstorm hits the area, that's when the fruits of friendship are seen.
November 29, 2021
As always just the cutest story and a perfect chapter book for any kid that loves animals and perfect for 1st grade and it has such cute illustrations. Taylor has another adventure planned, their biggest one yet which is making new friends. When all of Taylors attempts at making friends of the animals in their yard doesn’t really work, it takes a rainstorm to get all the animals they tried to get to know at their door and willing to be friends. Just a really fun read and as always while Sydney is reluctant at the beginning they always come through for Taylor and help with whatever adventure Taylor wants to do.
Thanks to Clarion Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks to Clarion Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
November 30, 2021
Sydney and Taylor decide to venture out in search of friends. Through many fun and funny adventures, they try several methods to make friends, with varying degrees of success. When a crisis hits, they get a good lesson in the value of friendships of all kinds.
This is would be an excellent first chapter book! The language is expressive but simple and the chapters are of a very manageable size for new independent readers. There is a generous amount of pictures to keep reader interest and help them connect with the story. This would make a fantastic addition to school and classroom libraries for early grades.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
This is would be an excellent first chapter book! The language is expressive but simple and the chapters are of a very manageable size for new independent readers. There is a generous amount of pictures to keep reader interest and help them connect with the story. This would make a fantastic addition to school and classroom libraries for early grades.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
December 10, 2021
Sydney the skunk and Taylor the hedgehog are living in a burrow under Miss Nancy's potting shed, when Taylor gets another one of his Big Ideas--to make friends. Not easy when "you're prickly and I stink!" as Sydney says. But the two set out on a Friend Expedition, attempting to win friends by tried and true tactics like engaging in pleasant conversation and offering sincere compliments.
This is an engaging early chapter book with delightful illustrations. The characters are lovable and the story is uplifting, with themes of kindness and friendship. I especially enjoyed the author's use of interesting language--not altogether common in books for early readers.
Net Galley provided me with a free ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is an engaging early chapter book with delightful illustrations. The characters are lovable and the story is uplifting, with themes of kindness and friendship. I especially enjoyed the author's use of interesting language--not altogether common in books for early readers.
Net Galley provided me with a free ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 10, 2021
Sydney and Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition
by Jacqueline Davies
Illustrated by Deborah Hocking
I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book with my 5 and 8 year old children. This is an adorable early chapter book. It gave one the feel of the likes of Frog and Toad but with more colorful and more detailed illustrations. We loved the maps of the burrow.
This is a wonderful way to normalize the difficulty of making new friends and to get ideas about how to make friends without being too on the nose about it. With so many details in the pictures and laugh out loud moments in the story I imagine this heartwarming story is one kids will be drawn back to again and again. 5/5 would buy.
by Jacqueline Davies
Illustrated by Deborah Hocking
I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book with my 5 and 8 year old children. This is an adorable early chapter book. It gave one the feel of the likes of Frog and Toad but with more colorful and more detailed illustrations. We loved the maps of the burrow.
This is a wonderful way to normalize the difficulty of making new friends and to get ideas about how to make friends without being too on the nose about it. With so many details in the pictures and laugh out loud moments in the story I imagine this heartwarming story is one kids will be drawn back to again and again. 5/5 would buy.
January 22, 2022
My 8-year-old son in 3rd grade absolutely loves this new series so I jumped at the chance to preview a copy of the latest book about Sydney and Taylor.
Simply put, the illustrations are magical and the characters are brought to life via the beautiful colors and enchanting dialogue. Who wouldn't want to become friends with a darling hedgehog and skunk?
The theme of friendship is perfect for a young reader and each chapter takes you on a journey of learning and exploring. We even learn a few smart tips on how to find friends and ways we can start conversations.
I highly recommend checking this one out for the young ones in your world. It brought me joy!
Special thanks to Clarion for an advanced copy of the ebook via the NetGalley app.
Simply put, the illustrations are magical and the characters are brought to life via the beautiful colors and enchanting dialogue. Who wouldn't want to become friends with a darling hedgehog and skunk?
The theme of friendship is perfect for a young reader and each chapter takes you on a journey of learning and exploring. We even learn a few smart tips on how to find friends and ways we can start conversations.
I highly recommend checking this one out for the young ones in your world. It brought me joy!
Special thanks to Clarion for an advanced copy of the ebook via the NetGalley app.
May 24, 2022
I loved this sweet story about friendship amidst the ups and downs of life. The pictures are adorable and really bring the story to life.
As an early elementary teacher, I am always on the lookout for simple, engaging stories for my students to read, and I think this book definitely meets those needs. However, some of the events in the book seemed out of place or disjointed from the overall flow and plot of the story. I don't think this would be too bothersome or distracting to young readers, but it did make the story a little difficult for me to follow at times.
Overall, I think this would be a great story for young readers who are navigating the early years of school and making new friendships!
As an early elementary teacher, I am always on the lookout for simple, engaging stories for my students to read, and I think this book definitely meets those needs. However, some of the events in the book seemed out of place or disjointed from the overall flow and plot of the story. I don't think this would be too bothersome or distracting to young readers, but it did make the story a little difficult for me to follow at times.
Overall, I think this would be a great story for young readers who are navigating the early years of school and making new friendships!
December 7, 2021
A charming young reader for those youngsters leaving the two-hundred-word-per-book level behind for the 200-per-chapter, this has two long-term buddies on a quest to find new friends. Sydney the skunk is a bit of a home comfort kind of guy, but Taylor the hedgehog has enough daringness (and naivety) to make the pair good company for some colourful, quickly-turned pages. But can they force the issue when they want other animals to become their new pals? I'd not seen the previous two books in this series, but it was certainly friendly regardless, and very easy on the eye, too. A strong four stars.
December 31, 2021
Sydney and Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition is the next installment of the Sydney and Taylor series, which follows a skunk and hedgehog on adventures. In this book, Taylor the hedgehog wants to make friends. Sydney, the skunk, is content to stay where he is because he doesn't like change. But he sees how important it is to Taylor so they go forward in their quest to make new friends. I read this with my 9 and 6 year old daughters and we all loved it. The illustrations keep the story engaging and fun. Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.
January 15, 2022
A brilliant short chapter book following the adventures of Sydney and Taylor (a skunk and hedgehog) who live together in a burrow beneath Miss Nacy’s potting shed.
Taylor has had another big idea - he wants to make friends. Initially reluctant Sydney agrees and they set off to apply the techniques they have learnt from book. But will the be successful in their mission?
Short sections of text on the page and surrounded by full page illustrations that are bold and support the story beautifully. This book is an ideal first chapter book for children age 7+ and would make a lovely read aloud book to share.
Taylor has had another big idea - he wants to make friends. Initially reluctant Sydney agrees and they set off to apply the techniques they have learnt from book. But will the be successful in their mission?
Short sections of text on the page and surrounded by full page illustrations that are bold and support the story beautifully. This book is an ideal first chapter book for children age 7+ and would make a lovely read aloud book to share.
January 31, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Clarion Books through NetGalley.
Sydney and Taylor return for further adventures. Taylor wants to expand their friend circle while Sydney is content to simply stay home. Sydney agrees to help Taylor and encourages him to be brave and reach out to meet people. Readers will appreciate the humor and glitches as Taylor follows Sydney's advice. Though friendship does not seem to be happening, readers see how other events can change situations and let people spend more time together.
Sweet characters who balance each other and are relatable. Love the glimpse of Miss Nancy at the end.
Sydney and Taylor return for further adventures. Taylor wants to expand their friend circle while Sydney is content to simply stay home. Sydney agrees to help Taylor and encourages him to be brave and reach out to meet people. Readers will appreciate the humor and glitches as Taylor follows Sydney's advice. Though friendship does not seem to be happening, readers see how other events can change situations and let people spend more time together.
Sweet characters who balance each other and are relatable. Love the glimpse of Miss Nancy at the end.
April 10, 2021
I LOVE Sydney and Taylor! They are some of my new favorite children's book characters. This third entry in the series doesn't disappoint. Taylor continues to have Big Ideas; Sydney continues to support his friend. What I love most is how, in a market flooded with books addressing SEL issues, this story is all about how to make friends without slipping into being didactic. A great book to read aloud or for independent reading by 1st-3rd graders. I can't wait to get this whole series into the hands of readers!
Review based on an ARC received through NetGalley.
Review based on an ARC received through NetGalley.
September 19, 2021
Even though this book is part of an early chapter book series, you can read it as a stand-alone and still enjoy it. Sydney, the skunk, and Taylor, the porcupine, are best friends. However, Taylor knows that to have a great party you need more friends. With the help of Sydney, Taylor sets out to make more friends. The story is nice, with easy-to-read text, which is perfect for newly independent readers. The illustrations are colorful and nice, and match the text. A really fun book which is part of a really fun series. (Read a digital ARC via Netgalley.)
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