Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/15/2019 *Starred Review* “Yes, we are small!! But there are a LOT of us!!!” In simply drawn cartoon scenes, Caldecott Honor Book author-illustrator Brosgol sends a line of tiny, bearded gnomes, sporting acorn caps over comical “Kilroy was here”–style noses, through a peaceful forest, stripping the berry bushes and despoiling the larders of chipmunks and other, larger forest creatures. “None for you! All for us! Hand it over to the Little Guys!” Perched at last atop an immense, tottering pile of plunder, the pirates proudly declare they have everything—moments before an attempt to snatch one last little berry from one last little bird brings the whole stash crashing down into the river. But rather than letting the Little Guys be swept away, their former victims gather to pull them out, demonstrating a generosity of spirit that sparks a profound change of attitude in the shivering mites: “We have all we need, and together”—as they stand atop one another’s shoulders in the closing picture to feed, rather than rob, a family of nestlings—“we are strong.” The animals’ willingness to forgive the Little Guys their trespasses adds a peacemaking element to this pointed exploration of the notion that collective action without a moral foundation just becomes mob rule. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2019 PreS-Gr 2—The little guys are mighty, mostly because there are many of them and they work well together. In their determination to prove that they can fend for themselves, they are sometimes discourteous to those with whom they share the forest. Pillaging dens and conquering large animals, the little guys think they have it all, but do they really? Set in a forest teeming with wildlife, this picture book features tiny cartoon creatures with acorn caps who wreak havoc wherever they go while making their collective stronger. There are several messages here: little ones can achieve a lot, much can be accomplished through teamwork, and, most important, a community is bolstered through sharing and kindness. Brosgol's artwork is lively, with detailed facial expressions. The action moves quickly, and the buildup is exciting. Young readers will easily identify the problems in the story and will be contented by the climax and solution. While there is power in numbers, it is better to use that strength for good rather than selfish gain. VERDICT A terrific and engaging read-aloud for early elementary students, and a great discussion starter.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.