Kate and Lucie are best friends who live next door to each other in an apartment building where dogs aren't allowed, which is a real bummer because both girls *really* love dogs and wish they could have one for a pet. But with a bit of luck and magic, they discover that when they both wear a dog bone necklace and say woof at the same time, they are transformed into dogs! The girls enjoy their adventures as dogs, especially when they are able to lead some stray dogs to a local animal rescue to be put up for adoption.

This book is short, simple, and sweet. While there is a magical element to it obviously, most of it actually kind of falls into realistic fiction with subplots about friendship and a song competition. The language is pretty clear and straightforward, making this a good read for elementary school-age children. There is both silliness and heart, making it a feel-good story. Everything ends perhaps a bit too optimistically (e.g., the stray dogs are almost immediately adopted, the girls of course win the competition, etc.) but I think it's nice for kids to sometimes have something like that.

There are attempts at diversity here with Lucie presumably being Latina and another character presumably being black; that is only subtly gleaned through naming conventions and illustrations. The two girls residing in an apartment building is a nice nod to urban living. It is also explicitly stated that both girls have single mothers, but both mothers are referred to as "Mrs." and their last name, which seemed odd to me if they were either single always or through divorce (i.e., "Miss" or "Ms." would be more appropriate in either case). ( )

I am reviewing this on behalf of my 7 year old...a cute story about best friends who love dogs. The girls love all things dog, but cannot have pets where they live. One magical day they turn into dogs (!!!!) and have all manner of fun adventures. N loved this and talked about it all week. She can't wait for the next book in the series. ( )