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?
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.
Amanda MacGregor is a book reviewer.
Follow the Rules…? A guest post by Sarah L. Thomson Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week is a book I wrote for the kid I once was—the rule follower, the worrier, the one who wanted everyone to stay careful and safe. https://t.co/Wcd58cSGPm @TLT16
woman of faith, wife, mom, Grammy, retired MG teacher-librarian, reader, backpacker, RVer, trumpeter, choir member, T1D, #BookAllies, LFL steward charter #68403
Read my review of Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week by Sarah L. Thomson @PeachtreePub Hilarious hijinks abound in the MG novel full of friendship and fun. #BookAllies https://t.co/nmf5b4GZb6
"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