Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2017 Gr 1–3—A collection of eight short stories about children using clever and sneaky techniques to achieve their objectives. These goals directly conflict with the wishes of their persistent parents. Ruby doesn't want to watch her baby brother. Arthur does not want to get dressed up. Harry does not like carrots. All of these children, and others, plot and scheme to get exactly what they want. The children are represented by humanized animals with telling facial expressions. Ruzzier's black-and-white illustrations have a playful cartoon art appearance and accompany the text pleasingly. They also capture the hidden perspectives of some of the characters who are taken advantage of in each scenario. Their stories go untold. However, readers can easily identify feelings such as frustration and discontent in their expressive features. The tales have an engaging, poetic flow. Each humorous offering is crafted with an identical rhythmic structure. This format begins by capturing what each new character likes and does not like to do. It then describes the character's predicament and how the conflict is resolved. Heide trusts children to recognize and call out the dishonest and selfish actions and perhaps enjoy a vicarious laugh at the perfectly imperfect behavior. VERDICT A unique title to read aloud and talk about. For large collections.—Deanna Smith, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 01/01/2017 This new edition of a collection by Heide, originally published in 1985, is full of entertaining short stories featuring seemingly perfect children. On the surface, they seem to do exactly as they are told, but young readers will laugh as they realize that this doesn’t mean the characters are doing what they are supposed to do. Ruby watches her little brother, but doesn’t do anything to stop him from causing mischief. Gertrude and Gloria help with the dishes, and Gertrude is the only one who doesn’t break anything—but her reward is being the only one allowed to wash dishes from now on. Rendered in black and blue ink, Ruzzier’s expressive, wry illustrations, new to this edition, show the perfect children being perfectly devious, and little ones will love pointing out the characters’ many schemes. With short sentences ideal for emerging readers, this collection could work for either shared or solo reading. Kids with a bit of a naughty side will be eager to get their hands on these mischievous tales. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.