REVIEW: Sydney and Taylor and the Great Friend Expedition by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Deborah Hocking
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.
Review
Taylor the adorable hedgehog has another Big Idea. This time he wants he and Sydney the skunk to go make more friends. Sydney is quite fine staying in their cozy burrow, drinking tea and doing crossword puzzles but if his friend wants to expand their friend list, then that is what they will do. But how?
Sydney and Taylor go out and work hard at finding new friends using pleasant conversation and sincere complements but making friends isn’t as easy as it might sound. You’ve got to keep at it and be there for a friend when they need help as well as when things are smooth sailing. I was a bit disappointed to see that some of the animals Taylor and Sydney tried to become friends with only seemed to really want to be with the duo when times were hard. There is one person who helps them out with no thought of gain and it’s a good lesson for children to reach out even if there’s no guarantee of a reward. I liked the illustrations and seeing Taylor and Sydney be there for each other but this will not be my favorite book in this series. C+
~Jayne
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