Rosie is a loner. A talented pianist with an active imagination, she likes being on her own - except for the bullying she gets from a group of girls she calls the River Gang. Led by Cassie, they make her life a misery, particularly when she does silly or awkward things. They also have given her the nickname Pimple-head. One of the gang, a new girl that Rosie calls Curly because of her curly hair, makes overtures of friendship that Rosie finds hard to accept. It is only fat, slobbery, lovable Dog (Rosie's family dog) who seems to understand her, and together they do their best to outwit the bullies. When they finally become friends, Curly makes Rosie understand that being different is special: 'I'd rather play with someone like you than all the other boring kids'. From my description this does not sound like a humourous book, but it is - often laugh-out-loud funny. Rosie is a caution. So is Dog. And you simply must not miss the Great River Dog Olympics! A quick read, the black and white illustrations make it go even faster.