Benny loves to help his grandfather in the bakery. When Benny thanks Grandpa for the wonderful bagels, Grandpa tells Benny that God, not he, should be thanked. For it is God, after all, who made the earth from which the ingredients for the bagels come.

So Benny sets out to do just that. Each week, on Friday, Benny leaves God a huge bag full of bagels in the Holy Ark at the synagogue. And each Saturday, Benny notices to his delight, the bagels have disappeared. Surely God must be eating—and enjoying—the delicious bagels.  

When Benny accidentally learns what is really happening to the bagels, he discovers a powerful and poignant truth.

The pen-and-ink and watercolor drawings (in muted brown tones with spots of color) are done in a round shape, simulating bagels. Benny's emotions can be seen clearly in his facial expressions. The illustrations create a warm, old-fashioned tone and feel that balances perfectly with this lovely, thought-provoking tale.

A true testament to the power of giving. Highly recommended.

Note from the book: Bagels from Benny has its roots in an ancient Jewish folk tale from Spain. That story later became a legend featuring the 16th century Jewish Mystic, Isaac Luria. In the 17th century, Rabbi Moses Hagiz of Amsterdam recorded a version of the tale.

Reviewed by the teachers at Education Oasis.