Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/01/2018 PreS-Gr 2—Rufus, a large barred owl, awakens Pip early one evening and demands that the younger, smaller owl capture "the fearsome mouse" as Rufus is hungry. And, anyway, Pip needs more practice with his swooping, which is not up to par. Though Pip doesn't feel like capturing the little rodent, he follows instructions and takes off. Theodore turns out to be not so fearsome after all. The mouse admires Pip's ability to fly and mentions how he believes Pip can improve his swooping technique while Theodore can experience being airborne. As the pair soar, the sky darkens, and readers are rewarded with pictures of the horizon striated with a pink, orange, yellow, blue, and purple sunset above the rolling countryside. Mixed-media artwork on watercolor paper is used to create detailed images that children will enjoy studying. The land below the owl and the mouse duo features many animals including sheep, a dog, a skunk, raccoons, chickens, ducks, and deer. What Pip gives Rufus to eat for breakfast will surprise readers but may lead to the beginning of a beautiful friendship. VERDICT A satisfying selection perfect for one-on-one and small group sharing.—Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library WI - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.