(4) 1-3 Sidney & Sydney series. Illustrated by Luisa Montalto. In book three, same-name friends Sidney (sporty boy) and Sydney (fashion-loving girl) start a dog-walking company. Sidney hopes their endeavor will show his parents he's responsible enough for his own dog, but (predictably) dog walking is more difficult than the two expect. Entertaining alternating narratives depict independent-minded third graders, but the kids seem older than eight in both the text and the abundant color illustrations.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 1-3 Sidney & Sydney series. Illustrated by Luisa Montalto. This book finds the name-sharing third graders maneuvering their friendship through school challenges including a spelling bee, dodgeball, and a school play. Spunky, fashion-loving girl Sydney and easy-going, sporty boy Sidney share their breezy, entertaining stories in short alternating chapters. The kids come off as older than eight years old in both their narration and the abundant color illustrations.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan