Johanna Hurwitz

Revisit the funny, lovable characters from The Two and Only Kelly Twins and take a peek at the wonders — and puzzles — of being an identical twin.

Arlene and Ilene love so many things about being identical twins. They like sharing a room, sharing friends, and wearing matching outfits. One morning, their friends Monty and Joey point out a new difference that takes the sisters by surprise and gets them thinking: if they are identical twins, why are there differences between them at all? But whether they're alike or different, the Kelly twins are truly two of a kind.

“These realistic predicaments with warm resolutions will fare well with the chapter-book set. Singletons' interest in twins will be piqued while multiples will find much to relate to.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Accessible text and frequent illustrations make this a friendly pick for young readers tackling their first chapter books. Themes of identity and self-discovery join amiable characters reminiscent of Clementine, Ivy, and Bean, making this a solid addition to early chapter-book collections.”
—Booklist

Arlene and Eileen are identical twins. Only their parents seem able to tell them apart though of course each girl knows which sister she is. It’s wonderful having a twin because there is always someone to play with. However, sometimes they argue too. This proves they are normal girls. So don’t be surprised when one sister shouts, “I said it first,”and the other claims, “I said it loudest,” when a decision needs to be made.


“Warmth and humor pervade the stories which simply written and yet subtle in their presentation of the girls’ experiences.”
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This is a humorous and heartfelt story, sure to appeal to readers looking for fun tales.” —Booklist

The first book in my early chapter series starring a shy boy who comes into his own.

Monty is mighty enough to take karate in a funny, true-to-life sequel with surefire appeal for early chapter-book readers.

A new sibling is just one of the surprises — some good, some not so much — awaiting Monty in another story for early chapter book readers.

Here is a fourth title, a Junior Library Guild selection and follow-up book to the three previous Junior Library Guild books, Mostly Monty, Mighty Monty and Amazing Monty. The first grade hero of this series continues in his resourceful and clever activities as he deals with the surprising and unpredictable everyday events in his life. Monty, and the reader, are in for several unexpected experiences in this book as he reaches the end of first grade and is ready to enter second. It is not necessary to read the books in order to understand and enjoy them.

"Hurwitz writes in a tender, positive manner, making this...a good choice for an extended snuggled-up sharing, a chapter at a time." — School Library Journal