Book excerpt: The follow-up to the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection book Maddie and Mabel Best sisters Maddie and Mabel are back and navigating new firsts in the second book of this heartwarming series. Who does it right? Who does it best? Who goes first? Who follows? From climbing trees to dancing to starting school, the girls work through their differences together. Follow along with Maddie and Mabel as they approach new experiences with excitement and trepidation. Together, they have just the help they need to solve any new problems that come their way. An excellent follow-up to the applauded series debut Maddie and Mabel, the second book in this collection, Maddie and Mabel Take the Lead, continues the timeless themes of sisterhood and sibling relationships in writing that is reminiscent of Frog and Toad and with illustrations that are equally as enduring in their endearing relationship. Author Kari Allen and illustrator Tatjana Mai-Wyss have crafted another delightful installment of this early chapter book series. Readers will continue to be charmed by this touching tale of siblings and friendship.