Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

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?

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 has experience writing for a variety of licensed properties. She lives in Maine with her family. Visit her at sarahlthomson.com.

Author Residence: Portland, Maine

Author Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

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.

Illustrator Residence:Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Illustrator Hometown:Rio de Janeiro, Brazil