Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2022 Gr 3–7—Picture book author Rubin (Dragons Love Tacos) makes his middle grade debut with this compilation of six short stories of the same name, "The Ice Cream Machine," each with its own subtitle (e.g., "The one with the ice cream eating contest."). With the common theme of an ice cream machine, each story is creative and fun. Featuring original ideas, an amusing cast of characters (including a robot nanny named Kelly), and exhilarating adventures like searching for ice cream in an uninhabited forest in Peru, the book deftly illustrates how one idea can be deeply, uniquely explored. Rubin's writing is inspired, and tweens will enjoy the wordplay. Rubin concludes with a challenge to write the seventh short story for this compilation, prompting readers to get creative and craft their own variation on the theme (a mailing address is included for receipt of said story). Each entry also has exciting black-and-white art from a different illustrator, bringing even more life to the pages of Rubin's fascinating conceptualization of the short story genre. VERDICT Ice cream lovers and tweens in general will get a kick out of this adventurous, whimsical, and funny book. A compelling twist on a sometimes underrated format, this short story collection is a winner.—Gretchen Schulz - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/15/2022 Having properly established that dragons love tacos in his popular picture books, Rubin moves to longer-form writing with a creative exercise—six short stories, each with the same title (plus a few other shared elements) but different plots, casts, and even illustrators. The tales range from spectacularly gooey riffs on “Strega Nona” and various folktales about hastily phrased wishes to one that features a worldwide tour of ice creams and similar sweet treats, and another about evil ice cream man Cromulous Blotch (a Roald Dahl-ish name if ever there was one), who delights in tricking children so he can salt his sweet potatoes with their tears. Along with added tips and encouragement for budding writers, the author also offers convincing proof that words are magical—as anyone who casts an effective “anti-butt” spell with a “Wet Paint” sign on a park bench or transforms their mom into a “jiggling puddle of warm fuzzies” by slipping a love note into her jacket pocket can attest. Scoops of entertainment and insight for young readers as well as writers. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2022 Having properly established that dragons love tacos in his popular picture books, Rubin moves to longer-form writing with a creative exercise—six short stories, each with the same title (plus a few other shared elements) but different plots, casts, and even illustrators. The tales range from spectacularly gooey riffs on “Strega Nona” and various folktales about hastily phrased wishes to one that features a worldwide tour of ice creams and similar sweet treats, and another about evil ice cream man Cromulous Blotch (a Roald Dahl-ish name if ever there was one), who delights in tricking children so he can salt his sweet potatoes with their tears. Along with added tips and encouragement for budding writers, the author also offers convincing proof that words are magical—as anyone who casts an effective “anti-butt” spell with a “Wet Paint” sign on a park bench or transforms their mom into a “jiggling puddle of warm fuzzies” by slipping a love note into her jacket pocket can attest. Scoops of entertainment and insight for young readers as well as writers. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.