Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 11/01/2015 An unseen narrator poses questions about Mommy to six toddlers: Is she tall or short; pretty or ugly; nice or mean; fun or boring; young or old; neat or messy? In each case, the shouted reply is the latter, more negative alternative. Yet when asked, “Do you love your short, ugly, mean, boring, old, messy mommy?” the rejoinder is a resounding “YES!” What might have been a slightly irreverent but ultimately reaffirming question-and-response tale here becomes a hilarious narrative, thanks to Frazee’s artistic talent. Using tempera paint on Manila paper, she creates matching toddler-mommy pairs, each decked out in a distinctive candy color, with matching clothing and hairstyle. Her uncluttered spreads feature only the characters and oversize speech balloons, which will help toddlers to focus on the story essentials. And, although messy Mommy’s cupcakes may have something to do with the final positive comeback, it’s clear that everyone here is having a wonderful time. Kids will appreciate the story’s visual absurdities, making it perfect for story time or one-on-one sharing. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 12/01/2015 Toddler-PreS—A troupe of toddlers cheekily field questions about their mothers. An unseen narrator asks, "Is mommy tall…/or short?" A red-headed imp ponders the query and imagines a tall mommy reaching down for a loving embrace, and then fantasizes about towering over a suddenly diminutive, doll-like mommy. A huge speech bubble, spread across the next two pages, shouts the child's answer: "Short!" More options are posed to a growing crowd of mischievous tots, such as whether Mommy is boring or fun, young or old, neat or messy. The contrary answers are bellowed out with unabashed glee. The final question, "Do you love your short, ugly, mean, boring, old, messy mommy?" is answered with an unequivocal "YES!" Frazee's tempera paint illustrations take center stage and star a colorful cast of children who are outfitted in primary color wardrobes and have uniquely fashioned hairdos. VERDICT Toddlers will relish the simple, headstrong text in this quirky book.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.