I think the fandom wiki lists them in chronological order as the 'official' reading order. Wikis tend to go with in-universe timeline for clarity. So if you're checking a wiki for character bios, beware of spoilers if you haven't read the prequel! They'll assume you know the backstory from page one.
The audiobook is fantastic. The narrator does such a good job with the two distinct voices. That's all I really came to say. I don't know about any series. I just consume stories one at a time. If there's more, great. If not, that's fine too. A good story is a good story.
I work in a bookstore, and we face them out in our 'Beginning Chapter Books' section. That's the area parents of 6- and 7-year-olds beeline for. The books are thin, have inviting colorful artwork, and the blurbs promise fun, not fear. We sell them mostly to parents of kids in first and second grade. Occasionally a third grader will pick one up for a quick, easy read between heavier books.
Anyone else find the parents’ dynamic just as compelling? The way the two families slowly become a unit, sharing tools, watching each other’s kids, having impromptu barbecues… that’s a huge part of growing up with neighbors. Your parents’ friendship (or lack thereof) directly enables or constrains your own.
The show has these great background moments of the adults sharing a beer over the fence or gossiping about the neighborhood. It shows that the kids’ friendship is nested within a larger, informal community agreement. That layer adds so much authenticity to the whole setup.