Canine best friends Ollie and Claire are as close as can be, spending their days picnicking in the park, exercising by the bay, and having dinner together—until Claire feels a bit stifled by the routine, and begins dreaming of traveling the world. But what about Ollie? He seems to be happiest at home. So Claire answers a mysterious posting on a tree, seeking a travel partner. Who could this traveler be, she wonders—and how can she ever tell Ollie she's going away? Told in a jaunty rhyme that begs to be read aloud, this tale for readers up to 7 is made all the merrier with Matthew Cordell's hilarious ink and watercolor cartoons.
"[The] rhymes are both metrically precise and delightfully original, conveying Claire's growing enthusiasm and anxiety as her 'trip of a lifetime' approaches."—Publishers Weekly
"'Ollie and Claire were a tightly knit pair, / like hot buttered biscuits and jam.' So begins this heartwarming, rhyming story about two adorable pooches whose friendship is tested when one develops a longing for adventure. Ollie and Claire have a routine that includes a lot of interesting activities such as yodeling, yoga, and running hurdles, but even so, Claire can't resist when she sees an advertisement for a travel companion. 'Do you love hula dancing and / sledding through snow? / Do you feel like you need / to explore? / Adventure is calling, / let's go go go go! / Meet me here Monday at 4.' Resolved to follow her heart, Claire packs her bags but then has a moment of pause when she thinks about leaving Ollie behind. In the meantime, visual clues will lead observant readers to the happy conclusion, which is reminiscent of a well-known romantic comedy. The charm of this book resides less in its familiar plot than in the well-constructed text and amusing pen and watercolor illustrations. With their fresh palette and energetic characters, these pictures are a vital partner in the telling of this sweet and satisfying tale."—Library Journal