Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/15/2023 Although children’s library collections are not lacking in pirate stories, this fresh and funny tale makes its case for inclusion by using a pirate-ship setting to explore the nature of friendship. An adventurous penguin spots a tall-masted ship sailing nearby and accidentally ends up on board. An elderly pirate excitedly declares that he has been looking for a parrot pal, and this bird is perfect! Deciding that its colors have been faded by the sun, the pirate paints the penguin red. Failing to teach the penguin how to sit on his shoulder, the pirate accepts that this must be a “ground parrot.” The penguin can’t talk and does not like crackers, but the pirate is alarmed when it leaves. Bereft, the sad pirate asks for forgiveness and is delighted when his small friend returns bearing the gift of freshly caught fish. The pirate acknowledges that the penguin is fine the way it is, and the two sail away happily together. The final illustration of a parrot, alone on an icy shore, may foretell a sequel. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.