Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/01/2019 *Starred Review* In Gilmore’s tender story of bravery and compassion, a young girl lives alone in the jungle, where she treats sick and injured crocodiles. As payment, the animals tell Little Doctor, as she is known, exciting stories of fearless beasts. Spot-art vignettes in soft, earth-tone watercolors show Little Doctor’s gentle ministrations to the crocodiles, while a dramatic two-page spread swirls with images from the tales her patients have shared. Her talents are put to the test one day when an enormous crocodile named Big Mean arrives on her porch. It takes all of Little Doctor’s patience and ingenuity—not to mention courage—to ascertain what’s troubling Big Mean, but Little Doctor perseveres, earning the distinction of Fearless Beast from her animal friends. Where the regular crocs fit easily on the page, Big Mean must squeeze into her scenes, curling into Little Doctor’s house or contorting onto the page for her examinations. It is a simple but effective way to convey Big Mean’s imposing size and, similarly, the magnitude of Little Doctor’s determination and kindness. These qualities reverberate throughout the book to offer readers an enthralling demonstration of kindness in action, helmed by a confident, brown-skinned girl in a doctor’s coat. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/14/2019 K-Gr 2-Why is a child living alone in the jungle? How does that child understand the language of crocodiles and what they need for healing? These questions remain unknown, but readers willing to accept the mysterious premise enter a thoughtfully unique story. Little Doctor, as the crocodiles call the child, lovingly cares for the creatures who visit her cabin clinic. In return, the crocs tell her thrilling stories full of danger, escapes, and mischief. One day, however, a beast arrives at Little Doctor's door who is bigger and more frightening than any she has seen before. The child does not know how to help Big Mean, menacingly silent and with no visible injuries. The illustrations and book design skillfully further the action of the story. In a climactic scene, Big Mean's jaws open so wide they go from edge to edge of a spread. VERDICT Atmospheric and quietly humorous, the story shows influences as varied as Tarzan and Where the Wild Things Are, and will appeal to fans of adventure and legends.-Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 06/14/2019 - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.