Sydney and Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition

About the Author
Jacqueline Davies is the bestselling author of the Lemonade War series, which has inspired young readers across the world to raise money for charitable causes. She is also the award-winning author of the Sydney and Taylor series, illustrated by Deborah Hocking, and Bubbles . . . UP!, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez, which was selected as an ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice and was distinguished as a book of outstanding merit on Bank Street College’s Best Books of the Year list. Visit her online at www.jacquelinedavies.net.
Deborah Hocking has illustrated many children’s books including Build, Beaver, Build! Life at the Longest Beaver Dam, The Great Henry Hopendower, and Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert. When she’s not drawing, you can find her taking her sweet spotted pup for a hike, renovating her 100-year-old cottage, or exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
www.deborahhockingillustration.com
Instagram: @deborahhockingstudio
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 do: 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.
From School Library Journal
Gr 2–4—Making new friends isn't always easy—and sometimes it can be downright scary. Luckily, though, skunk Sydney and hedgehog Taylor have each other. In this third installment of the "Sydney & Taylor" series, Taylor expresses a desire to make new friends so that they can join him and Sydney for parties, picnics, and dances. A true introvert, Sydney hesitates, but when he realizes Taylor is anxious and lonely, he takes him out on a Great Friend Expedition to meet other animals. Cozy, colorful illustrations on every page tell the story of Sydney and Taylor's trials and errors as they search for a circle of friends that gels when they least expect it. Text and illustrations both exude simplicity and childlike wonder, making this a charming tale that will resonate with children who could also find themselves stuck between extroversion and sudden shyness. Well paced and tightly structured, the book's short chapters call back to previous titles in the series while allowing the story to stand on its own. VERDICT A sweet, humorous story about the pleasures of home, family, and friendship that is reminiscent of the works of Cynthia Rylant and Arnold Lobel.—Gina Elbert