Meet Kevin Pugh, 12-year-old couch potato. Now meet Cromwell, his part beagle, part potato chip dog. Kevin’s looking forward to spending his summer doing as little as possible. Unfortunately, Kevin’s father, former Chicago Bears star player/super-sports fanatic, Howie Pugh, feels differently. So does Cromwell, who has suddenly and mysteriously developed a fascination with agility competitions: running up seesaws, leaping over hurdles, soaring through hoops (sometimes). If he has to do anything, Kevin would rather do something for newly obsessed Cromwell, but dog agility lessons do not constitute a sport in his father’s mind, so football camp it is. Until some well-timed events collide, literally, and soon Kevin’s found a way for he and Cromwell to take classes, and the upstart Team Cromwell is born. Andy Behrens has written a hilarious novel with a dry-as-dirt protagonist who’s constantly tortured by the goings-on around him. It’s also a charming story about a boy and his dog, as well as a meaningful and heartfelt look at a relationship between a boy and his father who don’t always see eye-to-eye.
Download and start listening now!
"ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmnmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm it was ok try to find the n"
— Larissa (4 out of 5 stars)
" This is one of the Great Stone Face nominees and I think it will appeal to my 3-5 crowd. It was fun with mild son/father conflict. Nothing that stands out about the book but I would recommend it as something many of my students would enjoy. "
— Catharine, 2/13/2014" One of the reasons I loved this book was that it was set in Chicago. I am a sucker for books that talk about places I know. From the caricature of Howie to the solid best friend Zachary I found it to be engaging and fun. Read it with a 9-12 year old that you love! "
— Maureen, 2/9/2014" I enjoyed this book because the characters were so likeable, especially Cromwell. Although the story line was a bit cheesy (a few loses would have made it a little more believable), it was true feel good story. Doesn't every kid feel a bit like an underdog at least in some areas of life? "
— Tiffany, 2/2/2014" The target audience for this seems to be boys aged 10-12. However, I absolutely loved this. It was funny and sweet and really came to life for me. I'd recommend this for both kids and adults. "
— Sally, 1/19/2014" Too funny! I listened to the story and have recommended it to many families for their "road trip" listening. The description of Cromwell's first attempt at the tire swing is all the preview I give and at least seven families have put the audiobook on hold. "
— Cathy, 1/16/2014" I listened to the audio version of this book. I found it completely predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. "
— Kj, 1/12/2014" Loved that there was a character with the last name of Pugh in this book. My mom's family has that last name. "
— Erichard1, 1/9/2014" Literal underdog to wonderdog story. Loved it! Great for boys or girls. "
— Karen, 12/20/2013" Ummmmm....ok "
— Emmy, 10/18/2013" I read this book as a possible choice for next year's battle list. I really enjoyed it. "
— Susan, 10/14/2013" Fun read, plus he's a local author! "
— Clara, 10/9/2013" I loved this book. Really didnt let me going but it still was good. Wish my puppy would do that! "
— Reagen, 10/6/2013" It is a very cute story and it can be very touching at times I loved how the book potraed the dog it reminded me of my dog I think anyone who loves dogs or even likes them would love this book. "
— Ethan, 9/15/2012" a bit slow and unexciting "
— Fire, 4/5/2012" sooooo cute!!! really enjoyed it, made you want to cheer on the main character. i heart it! "
— Sabrina, 3/25/2012" This was a fun read. The guys in my 4th grade book club really enjoyed it. "
— Keith, 2/23/2012" Adorable book for 4th graders. I read it with my daughter. However I found the vocabulary to be above a fourth grade level in many cases, and if you aren't savvy about football, it can be confusing! (maybe for a girl!) "
— Laura, 2/23/2012" great story on perserverance and determination! "
— Beth, 10/19/2011" This book was awesome!!!!! My dad chose it as a read-aloud book and it was hilarious. Go team Cromwell! It was one of his favorite books ever. "
— Anna, 10/1/2011" Read aloud to my 4th grade class. They were only moderately in to it. The word "badass" appears toward the end, which was an unpleasant surprise when reading aloud to kids. "
— Rachel, 7/26/2011" Loved this story about couch potato dog suddenly inspired to be an agility champion and his person who follows along because he loves his dog. Really loved it! "
— Joan, 7/13/2011" I read this out loud with the boys. There were plenty of moments that had them laughing out loud. But wow, is the dad in this book more of a bully than most. He's just downright mean to his son - the main character. "
— Jehnie, 6/10/2011" I listened to the audio version of this book. I found it completely predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. "
— Kj, 5/12/2011" One of the reasons I loved this book was that it was set in Chicago. I am a sucker for books that talk about places I know. From the caricature of Howie to the solid best friend Zachary I found it to be engaging and fun. Read it with a 9-12 year old that you love! "
— Maureen, 4/16/2011" Loved this story about couch potato dog suddenly inspired to be an agility champion and his person who follows along because he loves his dog. Really loved it! "
— Joan, 7/24/2010" sooooo cute!!! really enjoyed it, made you want to cheer on the main character. i heart it! "
— Sabrina, 6/24/2010" I really loved this book. It's a wonderful story about a boy and his dog. But so much more so, it is the story of a boy maturing and realizing that he can do anything he sets his mind to, even if no one else believes he is capable. "
— Jenn, 6/14/2010" cute for kids<br/>funny that it was set in Chicago "
— Missy, 6/8/2010" When Kevin Pugh's dog, Cromwell, watches a dog agility competition on tv and discovers a new passion, couch potato Kevin also has to develop his skills as an athlete. Kevin's former football star father adds humor and family dynamics to the story. Fun for sports and animal fans alike. "
— Beth, 4/21/2010" 12 year old Kevin is a couch potato and so is his dog Cromwell. But when Kevin accidently flips to a broadcast of a dog show Cromwell goes nuts. Cromwell, Kevin and Kevin's best friend Zach start to train for the biggest competition of the year. Funny easy to read book. "
— Danie, 4/15/2010Andy Behrens is an author of children’s books. He lives in Chicago with his wife and daughter.
Sean Runnette, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, has also directed and produced more than two hundred audiobooks, including several Audie Award winners. He is a member of the American Repertory Theater company and has toured the United States and internationally with ART and Mabou Mines. His television and film appearances include Two If by Sea, Cop Land, Sex and the City, Law & Order, the award-winning film Easter, and numerous commercials.