Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/15/2021 *Starred Review* As a cat returns from its nighttime prowls, the narrator asks if her pets are ready for the day. While the awakening puppy eagerly replies “Yes,” the sleek black cat grumpily retorts “No” and settles down for a snooze on their shared blanket. The puppy’s body language is spot on: he's excited about everything from eating to playing to going outside. Meanwhile, the aloof feline eludes the frantic dog by climbing onto the mantle and hiding in the bathtub. The puppy’s enthusiasm and his frenetic activities are engaging as he flits from one occupation to another, voicing “yes, yes, yes” as his boundless energy sends him all around the backyard—the calm cat perches on the fence and in a tree. After the pup is scolded for tearing up the yard, the two animals venture into the countryside where they sit comfortably together, taking in the beauty and peace surrounding them. Eight wordless pages with serene pictures extending from margin to margin reveal the companionship the two have forged during their outing. When called to go inside, the puppy’s demeanor (and repeated “no, no, no”) reveal his disappointment that the day is now over. Delightful ink-and-watercolor illustrations outline everything in thick black ink and leave plenty of white space as a backdrop to the animals’ perfect day. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/01/2021 PreS—Dogs and cats, similar to siblings, can be glued at the hip or loose acquaintances. There are three voices in this picture book. Bold type tells readers that an owner/child is posing a question: "Are you both excited for the day?" Roman type shows the dog's answer—"Yes I am excited"—while the cat's answer is italics: "Hmpff." This pattern meets everything asked, from the early morning to the late evening. The dog replies yes with lots of tail wagging to all questions and the cat responds with little movement and a simple no. The questioner wants the two to get along and play, but they seem to find their own mischief separately. The two are sent outside to play and to look after each other. The next pages are textless and show them enjoying each other's company and the larger environment. Afterward, the two settle down for the evening and the day is done, at least for one of the pets. This book is so simple in terms of the storytelling, yet readers can easily relate to the characters and their feelings. Beautiful illustrations sometimes fill the entire page and other times spotlight two or more scenes. The illustrations can also move in unique directions across the page, which keeps the reader guessing and looking for what's next. The story itself is simple and sweet in nature as we see the two main characters go from mildly interacting to fused together in their walk outside. VERDICT A spare and wonderful addition to picture book collections.—Katie Llera, Bound Brook Elem. Sch., NJ - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.