When eight-year-old Josh and his family adopt an energetic puppy with a big personality and a talent for escaping, everyone is sure that obedience school will teach him good manners. But Bagels turns out to be a bigger handful than anyone predicted. He gets into the laundry, the groceries and the neighbor’s koi pond. He even gets expelled from obedience school. Josh and his little sister, Becky, are worried that if Bagels doesn’t shape up, their parents will send him back to the shelter. Can Bagels redeem himself before it’s too late?
"Whimsical and humourous. The crazy adventures that Bagels gets into are close enough to reality that many dog-owning adults will be able to relate to this book as well...Readers will be left with the feeling of fun and mischief that only owning a dog can bring...The illustrations are funny and worth having a good long look at as you read."
– CM Magazine
"This lively, easy to read novel will certainly attract the young reader's interest. Filled with humourous puppy antics as well as a sly cat in the background, this story is highly entertaining and fun. Included also in the story are some valuable messages for young readers, such as adopting a dog from a rescue shelter, and making sure that it is well looked after...A good read-aloud for the classroom, this short tale should promote lively discussion and more stories."
– Resource Links
"Accented with delightful illustrations that children will love. Pet owners will be able to relate to Bagels’ mishaps."
– Library Media Connection
"Josh is eight when his family decides to adopt a dog in order to round out the pet names in their home. They already have a fish named Lox and a cat named Cream Cheese so, of course, they need a dog named Bagels!..Family relationships and pet responsibility themes are explored in this story...Bagels' escapades are fun to read about."
– Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group
"A hilarious story that will greatly amuse young readers."
– Canadian Children's Book News
"This engaging, entertaining and exciting story provides a lesson in how difficult it can be to take care of a dog. The value of tza’ar ba’alei chayim (proper treatment of animals) can certainly be reinforced by educators and parents while reading this tale."
– Association of Jewish Libraries
“A fast-paced, funny story, perfect for first grade readers transitioning to a slightly longer, beginning chapter book. It will keep a young reader’s interest—in fact, even adults can become entranced…A great book!"
– Jewish Book World
CCBC Best Books starred selection | 2014 | Commended
Chocolate Lily Award nominee | 2015 | Short-listed
Download the Bagels Come Home! Teacher Guide.
