Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2017 As Bear helps Mama and Papa prepare for his birthday party, he reflects on the many things he can now do on his own, more or less. “This bear can get dressed all by himself,” he announces, though donning his jacket baffles him until Mama teaches him a special method. He can pick apples “all by himself” while sitting on Papa’s shoulders. At the party, as Bear and his friends enjoy games and a picnic, even his ill-fated attempt to put falling leaves back on the trees quickly transitions from disappointment into reflection; redirection; and a happy, shared experience. Best known as the author of the Biscuit series, Capucilli offers a picture-book text that’s simple, warm, and well cadenced for reading aloud. Hussey’s inviting pencil-and-watercolor illustrations feature amiable dressed-animal characters within active scenes that will interest toddlers and preschoolers. This appealing companion book to Capucilli and Hussey’s Not This Bear (2015) will hit the mark for young children, who take pride in their own hard-won steps toward independence. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.