Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2015 Gr 2–5—The Finkleblurts have a new pet pup, Grub, and their cat, Madame Wigglesworth, is not amused. As irritated as Madame Wigglesworth is with Grub, she "hates" the humans "ten times more." She plots revenge and unites the family's pets establishing a new country: Petlandia. She writes a Petlandia Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and a national anthem. She would like to serve as queen, but establishes the country as a democracy where the pets will vote for their new president. Madame Wigglesworth can't believe it when Grub is voted to be Petlandia's president. Now Madame Wigglesworth has a bigger problem: How can she become the next Petlandia president? Cat and dog owners will see their own pets in the stereotypical personalities of Grub and Wigglesworth. The story is silly, goofy, and altogether a riot, but there are genuine lessons to be learned about getting along with others and the the qualities of an excellent leader embedded amid the wackadoodle plot. The story might even prompt a discussion about bullying behavior. VERDICT Told with classic cartoon, fast-paced silliness and drawings, this title is bound to capture the attention of even the most reluctant reader.—Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/15/2015 “Madame Wigglesworth didn’t always hate the humans.” As long as the Finkleblurts treated her royally, the feline was content. Life changes drastically when Grub arrives. The puppy gets all the attention, and Madame Wigglesworth’s jealousy grows to an unmanageable level. She concocts a plan and convinces Grub to help her rid the house of the Finkleblurt family. Now called Petlandia, the house will be ruled by the president—and Madame Wigglesworth thinks only she is worthy of holding that office. However, the hamster and goldfish elect Grub. Of course, a battle over the presidency ensues, seesawing between the cat and dog, depending on which animals and insects vote. So what happened to the Finkleblurts? They move into the doghouse! There’s lots to like: hilarious back and forth verbal jabs, Grub’s innocence and “goofy” speech pattern, unexpected voters, and delightfully fresh black-and-white cartoon drawings. It might not be great literature, but it will be popular with younger readers. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.