Siblings Annie and Simon are back in another terrific book for advanced beginning readers. Three humorous stories showcase their relationship. In the first, teenage Simon gets unsolicited help making banana muffins from preschool-age Annie, who is determined that chocolate chips will be included whether or not they’re part of the recipe. In the second Annie helps Simon take care of baby Theo from next door (“'Simon, jump around and do your silly dance. That will make Theo stop crying.’ 'Oh, for heaven’s sake,’ said Simon, but he went ahead and did his silly dance.”) In the third, Annie rediscovers her “bobo,” her pacifier, and insists on using it, to Simon’s annoyance, but it comes in surprisingly handy when they go in search of butterflies and find a porcupine instead. Spot watercolor illustrations add to the charm of this volume. (Ages 3-7)

Siblings Annie and Simon may be years apart, but the endearingly offbeat duo never fail to highlight the best — and silliest — parts of being brother and sister.

Little sister Annie and big brother Simon are (mostly) good friends, but even friends disagree sometimes. Annie is pretty convinced that their banana-muffin batter is lacking a certain crucial chocolatey ingredient, but all Simon can do is grumble about following the recipe. And when Annie unearths some precious items from her babyhood, Simon tells her she’s way too old to walk around with a pacifier in her mouth. But when baby Theo from next door loses his favorite toy, Annie, Simon, and even Hazel the dog prove once again that this little sister and big, big brother make a (mostly) terrific team. Returning for a third warm and wryly funny early chapter book, Annie and Simon are a testament to the fact that there isn't just one formula for the perfect family.