Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week

by Sarah L. Thomson, Vin Vogel (Illustrator)

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

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Middle Grade, Humor, Childrens, School, Fiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2023

About the author

Sarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. Her recent books include Cub's BIG World, which School Library Journal called “a big must-have" and Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale, which Booklist called “genuinely thrilling." She lives in Portland, Maine.

Reviews

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

This was an adorable read! I read this with one of my kiddos, and it was so easy to get through. It was engaging, fun, and even had some great humor at times.
It has a great lesson in it about empathy as well.

Definitely worth the read!

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Sarah L. Thomson's Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week is a delightful middle-grade novel that captures the essence of unexpected connections and the magic of breaking free from routine.

Emily, our rule-abiding protagonist, lives a predictable life in her urban apartment building. But everything changes when Rani, a girl with silver sequined sneakers and an irrepressible spirit, moves in with her dog, Otto. Rani's approach to life is as unconventional as her choice of footwear. She bungee jumps off their building, brings an ice cream truck to school, and challenges Emily's steady existence.

Thomson weaves a heartwarming tale of friendship against the backdrop of a 21st-century city. The chemistry between Emily and Rani is palpable—their differences creating a magnetic pull. Rani's joie de vivre is infectious, and soon Emily finds herself questioning her own boundaries. Can she embrace Rani's carefree attitude without losing herself?

The novel explores themes of empathy, independence, and the beauty of breaking free from societal norms. Rani's resilience and resourcefulness, despite her unconventional circumstances, inspire readers to see the world through a different lens. And Otto, the loyal dog, adds an endearing layer to their friendship.

Vin Vogel's illustrations enhance the narrative, capturing the whimsy and energy of the characters. The silver sequined sneakers become a symbol of possibility—a reminder that life is full of surprises.

Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week is a delightful read for young and old alike. It encourages us to embrace the unexpected, find joy in unlikely friendships, and dance to our own rhythm—even if it means wearing sequined sneakers on a Tuesday.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rule-abiding Emily is shocked when a new resident moves into the apartment building. Rani is alone, except for her dog Otto, and Emily can't understand how Rani can live by herself without at least one parent. Turns out, Rani's mother is a wildlife photographer on assignment; Rani knows the landlord of the apartment, quickly makes friends with various shopkeepers in the neighbourhood and manages to take care of herself quite well, if unconventionally.

Rani is ebullient, adventurous, fun, and has a different set of ideas and rules she lives by. Her dog Otto is enormously talented, and ensures Rani never goes hungry or into too much trouble. Emily has a hard time integrating Rani's perception of life with her own restrained one. Despite this, the two become friends.

When Emily's parents realize Rani is not in school (but don't yet realize Rani's mother is not present), Emily takes Rani to school with her, and chaos ensues, with parents and teachers concerned about Rani's status.

The story was fast and funny. I was entertained and frequently amused. I liked how though very different, the two girls became fast friends, and Rani's joy and open-mindedness opened Emily's eyes to all the wonderful people around her. And I loved Otto.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily lives in a building with four floors. Their landlord lives on the ground floor, and his chickens live in the backyard. Up one floor is Penelope from Emily’s class at school and her mother and younger brother Jonah. The third floor is where Emily lives with her parents. And then there is an attic, which is empty except for some dust.

And then Rani moves in.

Rani is about Emily’s age, and she moves in with an armchair and a backpack and a big black dog named Otto. Emily watches as Rani pulls out a hammock from her backpack and sets it up, so she has a place to sleep. Emily had brought her dad’s homemade cookies as a welcome gift, so Rani has something to eat. And she has Otto to watch over her.

Rani also has stories. She talks about orangutans and hippos and how her mother is in Patagonia. Emily can hardly wrap her head around all the words that Emily uses. And Rani doesn’t seem to stop moving. She does cartwheels and backbends and rappels down the side of the building.

But when Emily tries to take Rani to school, and tries to get her to follow the rules—or even to understand why the rules are important—Emily finds that her new friendship might not be as easy as she thought. Will Emily ever be able to teach Rani to follow the rules, or will she let her new friend get her in trouble with the grow-ups?

Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week is a powerhouse of a middle grade novel, filled with strong characters, lots of animals, a clown, plenty of cookies and ice cream, and lots of fun surprises. Rani is spirited and imaginative, and she takes the adults at their literal words. The contrast between free spirit Rani and rule follower Emily makes for an interesting play of opposites, and it’s nice to see them both experiencing life from a different point of view as their friendship grows.

Reading this book reminds me of being a kid reading about Pippi Longstocking. Rani has that same perspective on the world, where the rules don’t seem to work for her and she makes her own small miracles as the world seems to bend to her will. I loved the whimsy that underlined the character of Rani, and how she made things work out for her and her friends. She is incredibly caring and smart, and she makes Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week a beautiful song of friendship and discovery. I really loved it, and I think middle grade readers will jump on Rani’s bandwagon and run with her.

Egalleys for Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week were provided by Peachtree through NetGalley, with many thanks.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 3.7 stars

Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week is described as reminiscent of Pippi Longstocking, and I believe that is an accurate statement. There is just something about one of the main characters Rani that gives off Pippi vibes and her energy and personality are the star of the book.

Emily lives with her parents on the third floor of an apartment building. A new neighbor moves in above them and thus begins a friendship between Emily and Rani. Rani is the same age as Emily but is living by herself on the top floor with her dog Otto while her mom is far away for photography work. Emily and Rani are opposites and that is what makes their friendship so interesting.

Rani has never been to school and has no understanding of society's rules. Emily is a rule follower who worries about what other people think of Rani's unusual behavior. Children at school are captivated by Rani's stories of animals she encountered on her travels. Sure, some of the details seem embellished, but that is what makes them so fascinating.

While Rani learns to navigate society, she gets into several humorous escapades. As the book progresses Emily learns to let go of worrying about what others think of Rani, while Rani discovers what a true friend is.

If you are looking for a funny friendship book for middle-grade readers, this is the book for you.

This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here https://www.yabookscentral.com/two-fr...

[Theediscerning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emily finds her life taken over by the new girl who has decided to live alone in the attic of their apartment building, Rani, in this short novel. Now, I had no idea before checking up on other reviews that this is a riff on Pippi Longstocking, but more importantly what it is is weak. It's delivered with an adult-proof exuberance, that sends the whole thing out on one note, and a high note from which the singer cannot progress. Everything about Rani, from her décor to her use of mountain climbing gear to her dog turned butler, is turned to eleven, and there's no relenting. Are we supposed to see a lesson in ignoring the rules and having fun now and again, or what are we even here for? I couldn't work it out, but what I could so obviously work out is that we are well over halfway before we've really found a plot. Apparently it involves the dog needing rescuing, and the winning-over of the snooty girl, but that was too little too late for me. Even the piss-take of the "Feelings Circle" club was a miss. This made Matilda the Musical the Movie seem subtle. Two and a smidge stars.

[Ciara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily has always been the type of girl that follows the rules. She's used to things being a certain way, but when Rani moves into her apartment building, she shows Emily a different way of living. Instead of following the rules, she breaks them. She means well; she just doesn't understand why she can't walk on the wall of the school playground, or use things she hasn't bought, or bungee jump from the top of the apartment building. And there's her dog Otto, who is far more intelligent than a normal dog. After a while, Emily starts to feel like she's having fun with Rani, but she can't deny that Rani also makes her nervous, and she likes things to be predictable. She has to decide whether she should let Rani in or keep following the rules like she always has.

If you have a kid that loved Pippi Longstocking, I highly recommend giving them this to read. It has a similar vibe and there's lots of fun moments in here. I reably enjoyed it, and personally I think people of all ages should read it because it's delightful even for me as an adult. Highly recommend, and it would also be great for reading aloud.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
What happens when someone who is unfamiliar with all the little "rule" that govern your day moves into the attic apartment above you? With a large, incredibly smart dog? Emily is about to find out. From the moment she sees Rani in a big chair being unloaded in front of their apartment building, Emily can tell she is no ordinary girl. So Emily timidly makes her way up to the attic of her small converted house apartment building to meet Rani. Rani, whose mother is in Patagonia, sleeps in a hammock! Rani has built a loft for herself, complete with a hoist for Otto, her large and incredible dog. It's only after Emily takes Rani to school, where Rani immediately climbs the school wall, that Emily can see she will need to explain how things are to Rani. But is Rani's perspective really wrong? Amazing things seem to happen wherever Rani is. Are Emily, and her stuffy neighbor Penelope, ready for the amazing?

[Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fourth grader, Emily has a new neighbor living above her in the empty apartment. The girl, Rani, has arrived only with a few items and her dog Otto. Rani explains to Emily that her mother's a wildlife photographer working in Patagonia. Emily realizes that Rani is fearless and self-reliant, but doesn't seem to understand all the rules that go along with city life, especially those at school. Rani operates without a filter and appears initially that she might be on the spectrum but I don't think that was the author's intention. There is a nice balance between Emily the rule follower and the free range Rani that helps Emily realize that sometimes you just need to trust your instincts to live your best life. Rani had a very contemporary Pippi Longstocking quality about her. Recommended for newly self confident readers 2nd-4th graders who like humorous school life stories.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily is curious about the new girl who seems to have moved into the attic of her apartment building. The attic is just a big empty space – no apartment, no kitchen, no bathroom – and seemingly no parents. Turns out Rani does live with someone…her dog!. Rani does her Pippi Longstocking/Amelia Bedelia best to try to fit into Emily’s orderly world. Why can’t she open snacks in the store if she will pay for them before she leaves? And if she spills those snacks, shouldn’t she plug in a vacuum cleaner and clean up the mess? And shouldn’t snacks at the afterschool club be interesting? Why not have her friend drive his ice cream truck up to the classroom window? Younger readers will love Rani and the misunderstandings that happen whenever she’s around!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readers meet a rule following Emily and see her first interactions with Rani, a girl the same age who has not been raised with rules and school norms. The two connect and push each other to take risks and to stay in place. Rani's mom is not only out of town but is in Patagonia for her career. As a wildlife photographer, she has taken Rani around the world but this time she sent her to stay with their friend in the same apartment building as Emily's family.
Thomson spins humor throughout the story of this week in their lives. Readers will appreciate the absurdity and hope for adventures like these.

[Riss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week. It had so many components that made the story enjoyable for me. One character is very relatable (Emily), one character is very entertaining (Rani), there is a dog, and lots of silliness. It kept me entertained throughout the story. I loved the themes of being yourself and learning from people who are different than you are. This book would be a great independent read for upper elementary students, or read-aloud for younger elementary students. As a second grade teacher, I would be happy to share this book with my students. I feel that they would greatly enjoy the story and the characters.

Overall, I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! Thank you NetGalley and Peachtree for this ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

I don't know what to write except I love this book. The characters had such distinct personalities, but they are all people we have met before. Especially Mrs.Pinkney

I think every person has met Rani in school. Either a child with a wild upbringing or imagination. She is delight and so much fun. Even Otto the )cookie loving dog has his own personality.

Such a fun, funny, story, I can't praise it enough. Also I can attest, the best friendships stem from two polar opposites

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

You had me at Pippi Longstocking! But that made my expectations high - not to worry, this book met every one of them. Proof that opposites attract, the two new friends bonded as fabulous, feisty, and fun surprises were around every corner. Add fun animals to the strong character mix and middle graders (of every age) will fall in love with this duo. Rani and I would be BFF's too - I love her spirit!

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this book and the friendship between Rani and Emily. Emily is so unique that she is a perfect character.
I loved how Rani found the joy in everything that she tried and I do mean everything:) I also loved the ending! And Otto is such a brave and awesome dog to have.
The writing was perfect for any kid from about 8-12 years old. I highly recommend that young people read this book if you want to be your unique self and not to fit into anyone's mold of who they want you to be!

[Raven Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pippi Longstocking for the modern age. If you like that kind of clueless, tornado of a child character, you will love this. Rani and Emily learn that friendship is an important thing to know the rules for, but what are they exactly? And when one realizes that sometimes the rules are what you make of them, the sky's the limit. Cute, simple illustrations. (Though available, read via an online reader copy.)

[Sarah S. Smee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Move over, Pippi Longstocking! Rani is moving in! In a story brimming with enthusiasm, Emily discovers the joys of unanticipated exuberance when a new girl moves into her apartment building. Rani lives with her giant dog, Otto, and seems to have no conception of all the unspoken rules Emily has to follow at home and school. This action-packed story is well illustrated and full of heart.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kids will enjoy the madcap adventures of someone that doesn't follow any rules and the trouble she subsequently gets in for it, though having a white author writing a Black troublemaker character (who at one point shouts out "Capture Me!" while they are playing capture the flag) didn't sit well with me.

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a big fan of Pippi Longstocking growing up, it was hard for me to really enjoy this. There is a lot of similarity in the premise, but this book is just so *safe*. There is very little risk or freedom for the kids. It's an adults world with kids in it rather than a world of wonder and possibility for kids to explore.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

This was a fun title with very strong Pippi Longstocking vibes, but ultimately seemed a little young for my middle school readers. I would have loved this one in elementary school!

[enjoyingbooksagain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just a cute and fun read. When Rani moves in next door to Emily she is taken back by the fact that she is living by herself or so she thinks. I think this would be a cute read for any middle grade child

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read for elementary kids (it's a middle grade book but I can also see this being fun for 1st-2nd graders), with Pippi Longstocking/Amelia Bedelia type vibes. And my readers always enjoy a story with a dog!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. I enjoyed the friendship of the two girls and the willingness of accepting differences and making them work in relationships.

The girls tread the line of being disrespectful sometimes, but not enough for me not to recommend it.

Found in L4M YT Volume 42 (B).

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an Americanized mediocre version of Pippi Långstrump (Longstocking). It was fun to read but the similarities are too many so it lacked originality.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a fun book but reminded me a lot of Pippi Longstocking.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick and engaging read with interesting, quirky characters. I'd recommend this to 3rd-6th graders who like light-hearted friendship stories and realistic fiction.

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story would make for a fun read aloud. It absolutely has the modern Pippi Longstocking feel to it. Sure to bring a few giggles.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Culturally sensitive Pippi alternative; feelings and friends group

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of Pippi Longstocking and Amelia Bedelia will enjoy this tale of two girls who unexpectedly become friends and balance each other out.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of friendship and laughed all the way through as Rani defies every rule that Emily holds dear in her little world and the two find out that sometimes opposites really do make good friends. As the publisher’s summary indicates, there is definitely a Pippi Longstocking feel to Rani as she establishes a home alone in the attic of an apartment building, swings from the rafters, climbs up to rooftops and seems utterly unaware of normal social and school behavior for a 12 year old girl. Excellent characters in this fast-paced middle novel and will surely be a hit with the 3rd-6th grade crowd. Text is free of profanity, sexual content, and violence. Wide variety of skin tones, personalities, and body types represented.

Thanks for the print arc, Peachtree!