The Bagel King - by Andrew Larsen (Hardcover)

About the Book

Award-winning author Larsen offers a gently humorous take on the special bond between a boy and his grandfather and their simple yet special ritual. It also teaches a lesson on how a young child can help a family member in need. Includes a mini glossary and pronunciation guide for Yiddish words in the story. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Every Sunday morning, no matter the weather, Eli could count on Zaida to bring bagels from Merv's Bakery. Eli loved the time they spent together enjoying their favorite treats. "Warm. Chewy. Salty," Eli thought. "Bagels were the best thing about Sunday." But one Sunday, Zaida didn't come. He had fallen at Merv's and "hurt his tuches," and the doctor said Zaida had to rest at home for two whole weeks. This meant Eli had no Sunday morning bagels. And neither did Zaida's friends, who had been receiving their own weekly deliveries from Zaida. Will they all go hungry for bagels on Sunday? Or is there something Eli can do?

Award-winning author Andrew Larsen's picture book story offers a gently humorous take on the special bond between a boy and his grandfather and the simple ritual that looms so large in their lives. It also highlights a terrific character education lesson about how a young child can take responsibility and, with a little initiative, help a family member in need. With a blend of retro and contemporary styles, Sandy Nichols's softly colored illustrations cleverly convey the story's timelessness and capture Eli's diverse neighborhood. This book will spark wonderful discussions about family traditions and community. A mini glossary and pronunciation guide for the Yiddish words that are sprinkled throughout the story (like mensch and oy) provides an opportunity to learn about the many words we use in English that come from other languages, and to explore the connections between culture and language.

Review Quotes

... a delicious, yummy and humorous tale!--Resource Links

... a touching tale about the love between a grandfather and grandson and how they value their time together.--Canadian Children's Book News

Larsen's story demonstrates the power of modelling positive behaviour and the power of love.--CM Magazine

The endearing portrayal of a young boy's relationship with his grandfather makes for a warm, intergenerational story.--Kirkus Reviews

This charming and humorous story is a great family read.--Quill & Quire

This sweet intergenerational Jewish family story is filled with humor and heart.--School Library Journal

About the Author

Andrew Larsen is the acclaimed author of such books as Goodnight, Hockey Fans, A Squiggly Story, The Not-So-Faraway Adventure, In the Tree House and The Imaginary Garden. He lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Sandy Nichols is the illustrator of Starring Lorenzo, and Einstein Too, and the 40th anniversary board book editions of Alligator Pie and Garbage Delight. She also illustrates for magazines and advertising clients. Sandy and her family live in Calgary, Alberta.