Description
After her triumph at the science fair – winning a special award even though she wasn’t technically old enough to enter – Bernadette is ready to continue on with grade three. Her friendship with Annie, Keisha, and Megan – also known as “the Lunch Bunch” – continues to blossom. Bernadette and Keisha befriend an elderly neighbor, Mrs. March, and help her with her garden. As a bonus they get to play with Mrs. Marsh’s beautiful cocker spaniel, Lady. Could this bring Bernadette’s dream of owning a dog one step closer?! Things seem like they can’t get any better when Bernadette’s best friend Jasmine comes to stay with her for the Christmas holidays. They visit one of their favorite haunts, the science center, and conduct an experiment where they turn snow into ice cream. But Annie, Keisha, and Megan are not as impressed. Bernadette is so happy to be spending time with Jasmine that she ignores her new friends in the Lunch Bunch. Now Bernadette has to work hard to realize her mistake, and to prove to the Lunch Bunch that she values their friendship.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 7 to 10
- Grade:
- 1 to 4
- Reading age:
- 6 to 8
Editorial Reviews
"Bernadette in the Doghouse is an all around winner, and readers will eagerly anticipate the third volume of the Lunch Bunch series."
— Midwest Book Review
The text is broken up by Melanie Allard's engaging black-and-white illustrations -- the inclusion of which is a solid technique to help younger readers bridge the gap between picture books and junior novels -- and there's enough in the way of science and recipes to keep fans of the first book interested in the series.
— Quill & Quire
The story may be a little rambling plot-wise, but the best-buds and pet themes are definitely in line with the interests of its intended Grade 3 readership.
— Canadian Children's Book News
Susan Glickman presents a cast of likable, believable characters who discover together what it means to be a friend...the important message makes this book a valuable addition to most collections serving chapter book readers.
— AJL Reviews
This chapter book with a few black ink cartoon illustrations and a vibrant cover, is sure to capture any eight to twelve year old's confident, talented and curious girl’s heart.
— Resource Links
Glickman again portrays elementary-school life realistically. Bernadette’s difficulties juggling her friendships, her longing for a puppy of her own and her discomfort when her classmates think she’s responsible for the month-long Healthy Food Challenge will feel familiar. The relatively long, mostly un-illustrated chapters are best suited for the most able chapter-book readers, who will appreciate the challenge and are less often served by material appropriate to their lives and experiences.
— Kirkus Reviews
The story comes full circle with Mrs. Marsh planting in the spring–and the birth of puppies. On the last page, Bernadette’s mother says “Maybe” to getting a dog... an accessible chapter book[.]
— School Library Journal
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Annotations
Librarian review
Bernadette in The Doghouse
Bernadette in the Doghouse, the second chapter book in The Lunch Bunch series by author Susan Glickman, is a mixture of too many friends and not enough pets. Bernadette enjoys some unique activities with her gang, The Lunch Bunch. They make up new strategies for interesting lunches and visit an elderly woman and her wonderful dog (for which Bernadette pines). When Bernadette’s old friend, Jasmine, comes to visit, Bernadette gives exclusive time to her former bestie. Yet, she doesn’t understand why her new posse of pals is suddenly mad at her. The snubbed girl pours out her heart to her snugly hamster, Hamlet, who listens sympathetically. In the end, everything comes together. Bernadette reverses the friend situation, and it seems that her parents may be about to change their minds on their no-dog stance after the elderly woman’s dog has puppies. The story may be a little rambling plot-wise, but the best-buds and pet themes are definitely in line with the interests of its intended Grade 3 readership.
Source: The Canadian Children's Bookcentre. Winter 2012. Volume 35 No. 1.
Librarian review
Bernadette in the Doghouse (A Lunch Bunch Book)
Bernadette continues her adventures with Annie, Keisha and Megan — “The Lunch Bunch.” Things are great until Bernadette ignores her new friends in favour of spending time with her old friend, Jasmine. Bernadette realizes she has a lot to learn about being a friend. This is the sequel to Bernadette and the Lunch Bunch.
Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Best Books for Kids & Teens. Fall, 2012.
