K-Gr 3 This short chapter book is about two sisterswhose appearance and personality complement each otherand their world of imaginative play. Maddie is the older sister, with long, blond hair that she often wears in pigtails. She is a doer and loves to be in charge. Mabel is the younger sister, with short, brunette curls framing her face. She is a thinker and helper, and she just can't stop asking questions. The book contains five brief chapters. In a world without parents or technology, we watch Maddie and Mabel make their own fun (they build an indoor furniture fort and create costumes from household items) and witness how siblings navigate the shoals of power and friendship. When the inevitable conflict occursMabel refuses to play because Maddie insists on making the final decisionsMaddie must recognize the inestimable value of having an ever-present playmate. These stories capture the small moments in a sibling's life that create the building blocks of a lifelong friendship. Mai-Wyss's illustrations have clean lines and convey a timeless sweetness. The sisters live in a Victorian-styled home, but they wear dresses and high top sneakers. In the end pages, readers are asked to think about their own family stories and how to make a good apology. VERDICT A lovely easy reader about the power of family stories and the bond sisters share. Sally James

This playful book introduces self-sufficient Maddie and her younger sister, Mabel, who wants to be helpful, then launches into four family stories. First, Maddie recalls when she was an only child and her mother asked whether she would rather have a baby sister or a rabbit. Next, Mabel watches Maddie put on a musical show that lacks just one element. In "The Fight," Mabel is angry, but eventually gets over it. In the final chapter, Mabel can't sleep, and Maddie knows just what to do. Throughout the amiable, episodic text, readers can see each girl's point of view, and the expressive illustrations have their own breezy charm. Considering how many early reading books feature two main characters, it's surprising that the sibling dynamic isn't explored more often. An inviting, amusing series debut.