Annie and Simon: Banana Muffins and Other Stories by Catharine O’Neill

In three stories for confident independent readers, siblings Annie and Simon have everyday adventures together. First, the siblings make banana muffins. Simon follows the recipe, but Annie manages to slip in some delicious chocolate chips anyway. Then, Annie helps Simon babysit little Theo from next door. Can the siblings figure out what’s making the baby cry? Finally, Annie and Simon search for butterflies at Pinecone Rock. 

Although this is O’Neill’s third book of Annie and Simon stories, it functions beautifully as a standalone title. The Geisel criteria states that, “the text of a book, which must be directed at readers from pre-K through Grade 2.” Annie and Simon definitely aims for the upper part of that range with chapters over 15 pages each and some sentences up to a dozen words long (although most are around 8-10 words). Illustrations sprinkled through create pausing points within stories, while the satisfying conclusion of each chapter provides readers with the chance for a longer break. 

The accompanying watercolor illustrations create a soft, welcoming atmosphere. There are illustrations on every page, some with visual context clues. As befits a book at this reading level, the illustrations provide overall context, rather than providing a visual introduction for every new idea or concept. 

Image from BarnesandNoble.com

The design of the book is thoughtful. There are wide margins and generous white space allowing the text to shine. Sentences are never split up across page turns, and the illustrations are placed logically within the text. 

Image from BarnesandNoble.com

One thing that really sets this book apart is the supportive and loving relationship between young Annie and ever calm, reliable and patient teenage Simon. It’s rare to find a beginning reader title with siblings so close, yet far apart in age. 

Overall, I think this is a strong contender for the upper range of the award criteria. The content and design balance supportive features and gentle humor deftly and compellingly.