Annie and Simon

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.

• The third book in a series about a little girl and her much older brother is a contemporary reflection of one kind of blended family: second marriages and step- or half-siblings.
• Endearing, realistic, down-to-earth characters and situations make this suitable and utterly relatable for many ordinary families.
• Great for kids who may not have the most peaceful relationship with siblings: a difference in opinion over chocolate chips in the muffins, a wee visit with some old childhood comforts, and an adventure in babysitting highlight the differences between Annie and Simon and the concessions they must both make to live in harmony.

About the Author

Catharine O’Neill is the illustrator of many books for children, including the Anna books by Barbara Baker and Mrs. Dunphy’s Dog, of which she is also the author. Originally from Toronto, Catharine O’Neill now lives in upstate New York with her family and a small red dog named Hazel.