Bound To Stay Bound

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School Library Journal - 07/01/2011 PreS-Gr 1—At first glance, it would seem that Gilbert Goldfish has it made: castle, treasure chest, and a steady supply of tasty flakes falling from the sky into his bowl. But sadness overwhelms him. Gilbert's deepest desire is to have a pet of his own, to care for and love. Finding the right one is no easy task for a goldfish, though. The visiting dog is too loud, the mouse too rude (he shuns Gilbert once he determines that the fish is not a big chunk of cheddar), and the fly—well, what happens to the fly is too tragic to talk about. Finally, Gilbert thinks he has found the perfect pet, but readers may fear for his safety. Will all end in happiness or a calamity? The clever text stands on its own, but Shea's bold, expressive illustrations elevate this title to a higher plane. Wavy orange endpapers establish the watery setting and bright palette. Gilbert exudes emotion, whether love, horror, or sadness. With its mix of humor, mild shock (that fly again), and surprise ending, Gilbert Goldfish is a perfect choice for storytime and bedtime.—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR - Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2011 Happy with his fishbowl castle and the shower of tasty flakes that fall from the “sky” every morning, Gilbert has nonetheless long yearned for a pet—and so is delighted by the arrival of a frisky dog. After a weary week of constant barking, though, he is glad when the dog is replaced by a much quieter mouse—who scuttles off after realizing that Gilbert isn’t a piece of cheese. Next comes a housefly, who seems more sociable but ends up flattened by a swatter. Gilbert’s world barely extends beyond his bowl, but Shea’s big, brightly colored graphic-style scenes fill in the details, switching back and forth from close-ups to broader views. Children, along with Gilbert, are subjected to a real emotional roller-coaster ride by the succession of companions, which reaches its most suspenseful peak with the ominous arrival of a final pet (seen at first only in shadowy silhouette) with short ears and whiskers. But fear not: a final twist leads to a happy resolution. - Copyright 2011 Booklist.

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