Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week - by Sarah L Thomson

About the Book

Straight-laced fifth grader Emily's world is turned upside down when new neighbor and free spirit Rani moves in with her dog Otto.

Book Synopsis

Take Pippi Longstocking's joie de vivre, blend it with a 21st century urban setting, toss in a dog named Otto for good measure and what do you get? This joyfully carefree story about two unlikely friends.

It's a pair of silver sequined sneakers that unexpectedly flips Emily's comfortable, predictable world upside down. Or, more precisely, it's the girl wearing them.

The shoes belong to Rani, who moves into Emily's apartment building--and her life--with absolutely no one but her dog Otto. (Her research scientist mother is away in Patagonia.) And that's only the first rule that Emily watches Rani break without hesitation.

But it's not just that Rani breaks rules. Most of the time, she doesn't seem to know the rules exist. Why can't she bungee jump off their building? Or bring an ice cream truck to school?

For steady and orderly Emily, Rani's approach to life feels impossible . . . and more than a little irresistible. But is there a place for her in Rani's world? And should she find a way to make space for Rani in her own?

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Review Quotes

"With wild, imaginative flair, fourth-grader Rani is a bit Pippi Longstocking, while her propensity to take language literally is a bit Amelia Bedelia. And like those fictional favorites, she'll definitely appeal to readers. . . . The multicultural crew and Vogel's bouncy line drawings keep the story contemporary, lighthearted, and fun."--Booklist

"Fast-paced episodes, nimbly captured in b&w comic-strip-style cartoons from Vogel (Too Much Slime!), keep things moving as Thomson (Wombat Underground) showcases Rani's vivid imagination and, in affectionate prose, the way her welcoming attitude brings community to the fore."--Publishers Weekly

"Readers will treasure the blossoming friendship between opposites in this whimsically illustrated tale. Short chapters and plenty of action make for an accessible and appealing reading experience. . . . Touching and inspiring."--Kirkus Reviews

"[An] entertaining story. . . . The characters are appealing and children will admire Rani's resourcefulness and quirky sense of humor."--School Library Connection

About the Author

Sarah L. Thomson is a former children's book editor and an experienced author. She has published original fiction and nonfiction work in a variety of categories, from high fantasy series to nonfiction picture books and also has experience writing for a variety of licensed properties. She lives in Maine with her family. Visit her at sarahlthomson.com.

Vin Vogel is an award-winning Brazilian author-illustrator and the creator of A Home for Leo and the Yeti picture book series. He has illustrated over fifty books for young readers. After living in New York City, he returned to his hometown of Rio, where he lives with two cats and a dog. They are surrounded by many plants, piles of picture books, and some single fin surfboards. Visit him at vinvogel.com.