Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World by Jacqueline Davis

The Sidney & Taylor series introduces a pair of wild-animal friends whose personalities lead them into humorous misadventures

Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World by Jacqueline Davis, illustrated by Deborah Hocking. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2021, 79 pages.

Reading Level: Chapter Book, ages 4-8

Recommended for: ages 3-5 as a read-aloud; 5-7 as an independent read

Sidney the skunk and Taylor the hedgehog live happily together in a burrow under Miss Nancy’s potting shed. The burrow is cozy and warm—perfect for Sidney, who loves listening to “the strong, steady heartbeat of the earth, which you can only hear underground.” Taylor is happy there too—but sometimes he gets a Big Idea. Such as, “I would like to see more of the Whole Wide World.” Once he talks Sidney into it, Taylor has a few misgivings. Like what will they eat, how will they fight off predators, and how will they find their way home? Also he has an unfortunate habit of rolling up in a all when flustered or threatened. But the two friends encourage each other, and eventually step out on the whole wide world with only a map and a knapsack.

It’s the classic quest story, tailored for early readers: the hero sets out on an adventure, braves trials and dangers and returns home profoundly changed. Sidney and Taylor aren’t profound but their adventures are warm-hearted and humorous, with just enough “What’ll they do now?” suspense to keep young readers engaged. Watch for Sidney & Taylor Take a Flying Leap in August and Sidney & Taylor and the Great Friend Experiment next winter.

Overall Rating: 4 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 4
• Artistic/literary value: 4

Read more about our ratings here.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Review: Jacqueline Davis is the author of The Lemonade War, which we commend highly.
• Reviews: The Church Mice Spread Their Wings is a classic, and one of our favorite picture-book quest stories. Also (obviously) Dragon Quest (both starred reviews).
• Reviews: Are Sidney & Taylor related to the Sidney Taylor Book award for Jewish Literature for children? Likely not, but apropos of nothing, here are recent Sidney Taylor winners we’ve reviewed: Dancing at the Pity Party, Someday We Will Fly, *What the Night Sings (all three YA), White Bird, *Sweep, *The Inquisitor’s Tale (all three MG), and Welcoming Elijah (Picture Book).

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