by Sarah L. Thomson & Vin Vogel (Illustrator)
Pub. Date: April 18, 2023
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 240
Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/TWO-FRIENDS-ONE-DOG-AND-A-VERY-UNUSUAL-WEEK
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I honestly found this story rather fascinating. Emily and Rani (and Otto!) are fast friends, but they certainly have their differences. Where Emily prefers not to stand out and go with the flow, Rani isn't afraid to let her true colors show, and can't think of much worse than not being herself. The thing is Rani is a powerhouse with a seemingly unending battery that keeps her going, and going, and going. She's not like the other kids that Emily's met, and while it can be fun to spend time together, it can also be confusing. Emily's never certain if she's stepping too far out of line to support her friend, or if she's being untrue to her friend in order to follow what society dictates is the norm.
Though I didn't wish for Emily to struggle, it was refreshing to see her think AND feel her way through the situations. It made it more real, more in the moment, because what would, or better yet, what should you do, was never a given, but decided on based on the info she had at the time. She didn't want to get into trouble, but she also didn't want Rani to either, and the thing is, more often than not, her unusual approach to the world worked in her favor...it was really just those unwilling to look beyond the chaotic nature of it all to the heart of the intent and outcome that held issues with her line of thought. Rani was Rani...intelligent, unique, and filled with a great of gold. I was ever so grateful that she had her amazing pup, Otto, but also that these two gals had each other.
In the end, it was a lovely story about accepting others, keeping an open mind, and always being true to ourselves. Rani could have tried acting like Emily, or any of her classmates, but that wouldn't have made her shine as brightly as she does when she's her true self. The only thing I wished for was a section that talked more about Rani's uniqueness, perhaps from a real world prospective, so that readers could get their minds around the wonder that she was, but even without that backstory, she was remarkable, as was Emily (and Otto!). A great pick Middle Grade Fiction fans of all ages, and a fun start to your summer reading.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About Sarah L. Thomson:
Sarah L. Thomson has published
more than thirty books for young readers, including prose and poetry, fiction
and nonfiction, picture books and novels. Sarah worked as a children’s book
editor before becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Portland, Maine. Learn
more about her work at sarahlthomson.com.
Website
| Goodreads | Amazon
| BookBub
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. Visit him at vinvogel.com.
Website
| Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub
~~~ Giveaway ~~~
1 winner
will receive a finished copy of TWO
FRIENDS, ONE DOG, AND A VERY UNUSUAL WEEK, US Only.
Ends June 13th, midnight EST.
Tour Schedule:
Week One:
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5/29/2023 |
Excerpt/IG Post |
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5/29/2023 |
Excerpt |
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5/30/2023 |
Excerpt/IG Post |
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5/30/2023 |
Excerpt |
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5/31/2023 |
Review/IG Post |
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5/31/2023 |
IG Review |
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6/1/2023 |
Review/IG Post |
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6/1/2023 |
IG Review/TikTok Post |
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6/2/2023 |
IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post |
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6/2/2023 |
Review |
Week Two:
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6/5/2023 |
Review/IG Post |
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6/5/2023 |
IG Review |
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6/6/2023 |
Review/IG Post |
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6/6/2023 |
Review/IG Post |
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6/7/2023 |
Review/IG Post |
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6/7/2023 |
IG Review |
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6/8/2023 |
IG Review |
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6/8/2023 |
Review/IG Post |
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6/9/2023 |
Review/IG Post |
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6/9/2023 |
Review/IG Post |
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