Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/01/2022 *Starred Review* Touting the end of having to earn treats with silly tricks, wear cutesy outfits, and endure diets and infringements on personal space (“How would you like someone watching you poop? EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!”), not to mention the cone of shame, a runaway indoor dog righteously trumpets its newfound freedom: “LIVIN’ THE DREAM!” But maybe it’s not all a walk in the park, what with rainstorms, scary raccoons, and the lack of ear scratches? Plus, a glimpse of the former owner with another dog (A false alarm, as it turns out she’s only walking it for someone else. But still.) leads to a reconsideration and a joyful reunion. “What?” says the prodigal pooch, dozing off on a warm lap. “I’m still a lone wolf. Besides, relationships are all about compromise.” Hogan’s brightly colored suburban scenes show the chubby mutt first as a puppy in a young girl’s arms, later watching as she (teenage, or possibly older) looks sadly at the “lost dog” sign she’s posted, then contentedly sharing a sofa at the end fill in the background story nicely. The tone and elevated vocabulary, as well as the art, may speak to older, even adult readers, but younger ones will certainly be reminded of their own gleeful temporary breaks for freedom as toddlers. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.