The Good, the Bad & the Beagle

by Catherine Lloyd Burns

Set in a Manhattan, this is the story of feisty eleven-year-old Veronica Morgan, who believes that a furry lemon beagle from the neighborhood pet store will be the solution to the endless worries she has about life in general and friendship in particular. This is a problem, since her bumbling psychiatrist parents won’t buy her the puppy she wants or stop meddling in her life at her challenging new school. But things never turn out the way you plan, particularly if you never stop expecting the worst to happen, and haven’t taken a chance on being a true friend yourself.

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Animals, Friendship, School, Dogs, New York

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2014

Reviews

[Rene · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's weird, the writing is very good, simple and engaging and I love most of the characters, but after getting through this book I still don't know what it is about. I felt like it was three different books that just happened to have the same main character. Maybe that was the point, but it wasn't what I expected. Please add a half star to my rating. I can't say it was a waste of my time, but I didn't learn anything from it.

[Julie Sherwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I love beagles (have two of my own) and what a cute cover. I used to live in New York, so I love New York stories. But this book needs a whole lot of editing. The idea is a good one, but it drags on forever with such minutiae that doesn't advance the story at all. It's like being inside someone's head and hearing every thought that passes through their head, no matter how small and insignificant. I get it that Veronica is insecure, but it's pounded into everything she thinks, everything she does, every action she takes, until you just want to say, "yada, yada, yada..." Her family is quirky, and even the dialogue is padded. When her mother is talking about something serious and right in the middle of the sentence says, "pass the mu shoo pork" and goes back to her thought. Maybe that's the way people talk, but that's why there's editing. We don't need to hear the entire dinner conversation of when someone needs salt and pepper. The best part of the story is the beagle. When Cadbury gets cold outside and doesn't want to play, I momentarily thought the author had never met a beagle. But then it becomes clear what's going on and at that point, I couldn't put the book down. But several chapters later, my credibility is strained when I see a 6th-grader who is allowed to go on and on behaving the way she does without anyone intervening. That part didn't ring true. And the friendships between the classmates are very strange. Since when is everyone in the class always included in every party, no matter how unfriendly they are towards each other? It took me about 3 weeks to get through the book, and although I'm glad it's over, I'm sad I didn't like it more.

[Henriette Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the detail packed into this story, the writing reads superb to a younger generation but the beauty of it is I still found it very engaging myself as a 25 year old woman. The author weaves in just the right amount of maturity and humor to be appealing to anyone who picks it up.

I really felt immersed as I read this story, not only in Veronica's story but in the city of New York. There’s a real passion behind the scene building of this city as a backdrop and the care in the details makes it a pleasure to read. Veronica's grief was written in a way that anyone who has experienced a loss will appreciate. It’s validating and and it’s true.

I think my favourite character overall was Sylvie. I like that she was introduced in the first half but she didn’t really shine until later on. It was very fluid. I also liked the deeper backstory she was given.

I would recommend this story to anyone young and old who appreciates good writing. There is plenty of humour balanced with deeper themes to be a very entertaining read.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this one because there is a notoriously reluctant reader that regularly comes into my library and her mom told me that she loved this book. I've been trying for ages to find her something she could really get into, so I figured there must be something special about this book.

Honestly, I'm left scratching my head a little bit. There's a lot of elements stuffed into this book. There is, of course, the beagle. There's a preternaturally wise 11-year old main character who struggles with fitting in. There are two Jewish psychiatrist parents who wrestle with their religion and how to relate to their daughter. And there is loss and a major grieving process. For me these just didn't coalesce into a cohesive story.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is told in 3 parts. Part 1: Veronica is lonely, has no friends, is starting a new school and really wants a dog. Part 2: Veronica is slowly making friends, but when she finally gets a dog, drops them. Part 3: Veronica rediscovering human friends after the loss of her dog.

I read this book to preview it for our school library (K-8). It has no bad language, no hormones and no violence. The main character is 11, but I think even a reader younger than that could relate.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book because I'm a serious dog lover.
When I realized it's a book for 10-12 year olds, I thought I'd read it to see how one writes a dog book for young people (I'm 64).
I had no idea how much I'd enjoy seeing the world from 11-year-old Veronica's point of view.
I loved this book. It grabbed me hard. It will stay with me a long time.
Well done.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides the raw feelings of grief through the young girl, Veronica's eyes. You see this inquisitive child learn and deal with grief but also deal with fitting in, her religious beliefs, how classmates can pull you apart and snuff the life out of you.

The author takes you through this story while unfeeling the layers of grief and the growth of a young girls.

I think the author did a beautiful job of presenting the trials and tribulations of fitting in, growing up, questioning religious beliefs and navigating through grief.

[Viola Sung · Rating 3 out of 5]

<3

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! A little slow in the middle. Great ending!

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle school drama and the dog dies
Why do the dogs die???

[Lisa Budney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me think of my own loss, my sweet bella. A chihuahua. Loved the story

[Skylee Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

[Ariena Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one that you remember but a good cute story.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very sweet book on how a young girl's heart is healed by love after the death of her favourite puppy and a change adapting into a new environment. The story is foretold which different sides of our daily lives and it was a great read.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this courtesy of FSG via netgalley. Sixth grader Veronica Louis Morgan has a lot going on---new student at Randolf School for Girls, wearing a uniform for the first time, making new friends and trying to fit in, and her campaign to convince her parents to let her get a puppy, specifically Cadbury, the beagle at the neighborhood pet store. When her parents surprise her with the pup on the exact day of Sarah-Lisa's annual, “everyone is invited” back to school party, Veronica is unaware her absence at the party would be noted, and skips to be with Cadbury. Even with that faux pas, it is assumed that Veronica has automatic membership in Sarah-Lisa's clique, the A team, since her name ends in an “A”. Most of the 6th graders yearn to be on the A Team, with Cocoa adding an “a” only to be rejected, but Sylvie, as a kindergartener, changed her name from Sylvia to avoid the clique. Interesting study of middle school behavior, rituals, and finding yourself. More interesting is Veronica's family, who live in a Central Park apartment building with a doorman. They rarely, maybe never, attend synagogue, but they celebrate all the Jewish holidays at home, with mom prompting dad as he recites the prayers. When Christmas rolls around, mom always gets a tree, but just because she likes the smell. They rarely cook at home, but the delivery service from Chinese restaurant is on speed dial. You risk your life if you open the hall closet. Both parents are psychiatrists, and are very supportive as Veronica maneuvers the pitfalls of being the new girl in school. Mom has a very upbeat and cheery view on life, while dad plays the straight man, even, analytical and sometimes confused. The year yields both sad and emotional experiences, but there are some laugh out loud scenes among Veronica and her parents. Set in NYC, with the girls attending an affluent private school, may limit the audience to girls, but I really enjoyed this read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes the reader through the personal adventures of eleven-year-old Veronica who lives in Manhattan,New york, and who fell in love with a beagle at the local pet store. In addition she is about to start a new school entitled Randolf School for Girls. While both events are seemingly unrelated getting the dog of her dreams definitely effects Veronica's ability to cope with a new school and spend time with all her new acquaintances. To top it all off Veronica only has her dog for a matter of months when her beagle is diagnosed with a hereditary disease and the prognosis is not good. These events are intertwined with Veronica trying to befriend Athena to become a member of the A Team without the controlling Sarah-Lisa. The constant flow of action with some unfortunate and surprising events will most likely touch a familiar spot with many readers and keep them thoroughly engaged. The author is skilled at presenting both characters as well as events realistically. The unexpected ending is bonus. I would highly recommend this book.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sixth grader Veronica is a bit of a loner and feels especially so since she is starting a new school, but her psychiatrist parents appear oblivious to their daughter’s angst. To ease her anxiety, she wants more than anything for her parents to buy her a beagle puppy that she visits at the pet store. To her great surprise, her inflexible parents give in and get the puppy that she’s named Cadbury. It isn’t long before they realize that Cadbury has heart health issues that cannot be cured. Sadly, Cadbury has to be euthanized, but Veronica’s grief and subsequent depression is assuaged with the help of new friends at school who share their own stories of loss. Themes of friendship, social anxiety, religious differences and death are relatable to middle school readers. The NY urban setting is a plus, but the plot and numerous subplots are hard to follow and some elements stretch belief. But Veronica’s emotional journey is a worthwhile experience. The title is a good choice for any library.

[Mrs. Strudthoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't resist a dog book particularly one with a good cover.

Veronica lives in an upper middle class household in Manhattan. Both of her parents are psychologists which means that Veronica is constantly being analyzed by them. Annoying, to be sure, but Veronica has learned how to live with it.

Her parents put her into a different school this year--an all-girl, must-wear-a-uniform school. Veronica has some anxiety about this change but the one thing that keeps her slogging through her days is Cadbury. Cadbury is a beagle at the neighborhood pet story. Veronica goes there every day after school to spend time with him. Cadbury has not been adopted by a family and Veronica keeps asking her parents to do it. Finally, they do and Veronica and Cadbury are inseparable until . . . .

As with most dog stories, this one has a sad part but the book ends upbeat and happy.

Heartwarming story made to order for dog lovers.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Veronica Louise Morgan finally persuades her parents to buy Cadbury, the adorable lemon beagle she has fallen in love with, life changes for the shy eleven-year-old. Through her dog, she makes friends with some of her classmates, even finding someone with whom she has quite a lot in common. The book will break readers' hearts at the losses Veronica suffers, and many of them will be able to relate to how inadequate some of her classmates make her feel while also considering what it really means to be a friend. As this book shows so well, sometimes a great loss can lead to taking new chances. I was deeply touched by this story by this debut author who clearly knows the mysteries of the human heart's breakings and healings.

[Salsabrarian]

SPOILER: Veronica is the new girl at an all-girls private school. She's lonely and longs for a friend, hoping she can crack the inner circle of popular girls but recognizing at the same time that Sarah-Lisa probably would not make a good friend. What satisifies her longing for connection is her new dog Cadbury. But when Cadbury has to be put down, Veronica must find her way to making the human connections she needs. Veronica is introspective and thoughtful and a little insecure; she will resonate with young readers of similar vein.

[Ashia G]

Grade/interest level: 9-13 year olds
Reading level: 720
Genre: nonfiction
Main Characters: Veronica
Setting: car
POV: first


In the good the bad the beagle Veronica relly whant to get this dog a beagle. When she goes to the pet store she can't find it then she goes home to find her parents baught it. Then after awhile her dog becomes very sick and they had to put it to sleep. She had a whole bunch of chalges going to priviate school making new freinds.

[Kristy McRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet middle grade novel dealing with friendship, family, pets, and grief. I really enjoyed this book--Veronica is a fun, quirky girl with a huge heart, and that tween awkwardness that rings so true to life. Her relationship with her parents and with the girls at her new school are spot-on, and her emotional growth over the course of the events in the story is very realistic and heartfelt. Throw in a couple of cute dogs, and a happy ending, and we have the icing on the cake!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cataloged as a juvenile book. 11 year old Veronica Louise Morgan lives in Manhattan, attends a (new) private school, has loving but bewildered parents and a caring babysitter-slash-housekeeper. What she doesn't have is a dog. She falls in love with a lemon beagle in a pet shop. I really liked all the characters, but especially the sweet beagle, Cadbury. There was laughter and there were tears.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about a young girl starting a new middle school, making and not making friends, and dealing with joy and loss. This book reminds me of a younger-audienced Looking for Alaska due to the traumatic event that occurs about midway through. Animal lovers, prepare your tissues, but you will leave the book smiling.

[Mrs. Ehlers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica is starting a new all girls school and not happy about it. She's a shy person and has a hard time making friends. After school she often stops at the local pet store to play with a puppy that no one has adopted. If only her parents would let her buy him. This is a book about families, friendships, school problems and responsibilities. Many readers will connect with Veronica.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!!! I recommend this to all young girls and adult ones too, A very heart warming book even the truly sad parts. And when I say sad....they are very sad. This is about family, loss, friendship and finding out exactly where you fit in. A great great read!! Happy Reading :)

[Karen Arendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving story about a girl and her love for a dog. At first, and for much of the story, I wasn't sure where the story was going. A few characters are mentioned and left hanging, like the former best friend.

[Adam Forgash · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Animal lovers and insecure middle-schoolers alike with connect with this realistic portrayal of tween life." (from Booklist)