Bound To Stay Bound

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School Library Journal - 07/01/2015 Gr 3–5—Reminiscent of Carlo Collodi's classic The Adventures of Pinocchio, this novel from the author of Beyond the Laughing Sky (Dial, 2014) and The Masterwork of a Painting Elephant (Farrar, 2011) is an offbeat and unique chronicle of the life of an imaginary friend. Constantly ignored by his classmates, teachers, and even his parents, Jacques Papier feels like everyone hates him, except for his sister Fleur. When he learns the devastating truth–that he is actually Fleur's imaginary friend–Jacques goes on a soul-searching journey to discover himself in the hopes to one day become real. Written as a fictional "autobiography," the first-person narration helps readers better understand and sympathize with Jacques and his unusual plight. Despite being imaginary, Jacques is still a fully realized character, with his own fears, hopes, and quirks, and is an engaging protagonist. Cuevas includes several clever and humorous touches to Jacques' story, including "Imaginaries Anonymous," a support group for imaginary friends once they learn that they are imaginary, and "The Office of Reassignment," a bureaucratic agency where imaginary friends go to be reassigned to new children when their old ones outgrow them. Jacques encounters a fun and eccentric cast of imaginaries on his quest to become real and also impacts the lives of several real children whom he meets. Cuevas's line drawings are sprinkled throughout, depicting some of her more inventive imaginaries. While some children might be disappointed that Jacques doesn't get the exact happy ending he originally wants, in the end his story does come full circle, providing a satisfying, albeit bittersweet, conclusion. VERDICT A lovely and unique tale. Recommended.—Laura J. Giunta, Garden City Public Library, NY - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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