Dani is spending the summer at a vacation house with her best friend’s family while her dad recovers from an accident. She’s already having a great time when her cousin and grandparents come to visit and things get even better. Even more wonderful is when her dad, who’s been in the hospital, arrives as a surprise. “Up until now this story could have had a happy ending.” The problem is that her dad has brought Sadie, a nurse, with whom he is falling in love. It soon becomes clear that springing Sadie on Dani without warning is a mistake, something Dani’s grandparents clearly suggested ahead of time would be the case. Dani’s behavior, like her dad’s, is less than perfect, and the emotional realism is what makes this and previous books about Dani so authentic and childlike. They are also full of warmth and charm. Occasional black-and-white illustrations add to the overall appeal, while the ending hints at another book to come. (Ages 5–8)

Dani is spending the summer with Ella's family while her father recuperates from an injury. Captured in triumphantly expressive ink drawings, the girls enjoy their vacation by spying on wild animals and swimming. When Dani's cousin arrives with big news about her little family, Dani starts questioning her place in her father's heart. Ella's fierce commitment to their friendship, allows Dani to express her feelings. What they learn is that family and friendship always prevail, no matter how emotional or distressing life can be.

2012 Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis Nominee for Kinderbuch, 2014 Hea Lasteraamat Winners, 2017 Capital Choices Book Awards.

Author and illustrator both live in Sweden.

Sweden. Originally published in Swedish as Livet engli Dunne by Bonnier Carlsen in 2014. English translation by Julia Marshall published in the United States by Gecko Press in 2016.