Sydney and Taylor Take a Flying Leap by Deborah Hocking, Jacqueline Davies
Published by Clarion Books on August 3, 2021
ISBN: 0358106354
Pages: 80
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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Book two in this fantastic series for emerging readers. Sydney and Taylor are an unlikely pair, a skunk and a hedgehog, living in a cozy burrow beneath Miss Nancy’s shed. They are best friends and, as such, they support one another, but when Taylor the hedgehog gets the idea to fly, Sydney is not supportive. Sydney is worried that Taylor will get hurt, or eaten by a hawk. This causes hurt feelings and a rift in their friendship, but Taylor persists in his attempt to fly and Sydney nervously watches. When Taylor gets stuck, he turns to Sydney, who not only helps, but finds an alternate, feasible solution. The book deals with growth mind-set and persistence, and also with thinking things through and being careful. The friends are able to work through their difference of opinion and find a way to support a wild idea. The full-page, color illustrations are warm and delightful. This series is ideal for readers of Owl Diaries, Mercy Watson, and Mouse & Mole.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth