  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 09/01/2017 K-Gr 2—Finding the perfect book means everything to Henry, for once he has started reading, nothing will convince him to stop—"He decided to just stay put." No version of a louder bell, not even the "mega-giga-decibel monstrosity illegal in seventeen states" preferred by the state's Senator Brilliant can make him budge. Recommendations from his teacher, principal, mayor or governor are ignored, until his teacher discovers the call to his heart—a personal interest that builds and then surpasses his favorite book about bicycles. Digitalized watercolor and ink art follows the mayhem as a succession of illustrations highlights the chain-reaction effects of Henry's insistence on staying put. Fantastical machines designed to get his attention perfectly match the pacing of humorous text with the "bronkitybronkitybronkity…" of an increasingly louder bell. VERDICT Designed to appeal to any child dreaming of the perfect read and a bit of control over their surrounding environment, this offering features plenty of action with a satisfying ending. A suggested general purchase for all libraries.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 01/01/2018 Henry has been in school long enough to know how to respond to the ringing of the school bell. But after finding a highly captivating book about a bike during library time one Tuesday, Henry breaks away from his routine: all he wants to do is read. “The school was not prepared for anyone to just stay put. By not springing up with the ringing of the bell, Henry set off a chain reaction unlike anything they’d ever seen.” School leaders are beside themselves while government officials step in, suggesting a series of ever-louder bells, but the increased clanging only creates more catastrophic chain reactions, both in school and around town. It’s all helter-skelter until Ms. Sabio, Henry’s teacher, puts her simple idea to action. Barton couples engaging storytelling with Spires’ hilariously chaotic scenes featuring a multicultural cast of comical characters. With a balanced mix of anticipated and unpredictable moments and lots of onomatopoeia, this sidesplitting story will keep young readers highly amused till the very end. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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