Bound To Stay Bound

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School Library Journal - 02/01/2017 PreS-Gr 2—As night falls, a canine father and son head to a hilltop for an important rite of passage. First, Little Wolf watches as Big Wolf models proper howling form: he stands tall, points his muzzle skyward, and sings out a thrilling "AAAAOOOO…" Eager to give it a try, Little Wolf echoes the classic cry but can't stop himself from adding a few ear-pleasing, scat-style embellishments ("dibbity dobbity skibbity skobbity/skooo-woooo-woooo…"). Despite his father's patient tutelage and repeated demonstrations of the accepted method, Little Wolf's creative voice will not be quelled, and he lets loose with howls that trumpet the "wildness and joy" found in his heart. Big Wolf is finally won over and joins his son in exuberant—if unconventional—song. The perfectly paced narrative is filled with warmth and humor. Full-bleed illustrations done in gouache portray stunning natural landscapes aglow with crisply rendered details and luminous twilight hues. The animal characters are endearingly depicted yet still retain a touch of realism, adding a sense of the untameable mystery of the wilderness to a sweet story about parent/child affection. VERDICT Fun to read—and howl—aloud, this tale of tackling a first experience with originality and élan is ideal for storytime or family sharing.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/15/2017 *Starred Review* Little Wolf’s first howling lesson begins when Big Wolf demonstrates a plaintive “AAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOO” howl. Little Wolf tries to imitate “proper howling form,” but adds “I’m hoooowling, ’oooowling, ’ooooowling!” onto the end. Big Wolf demonstrates again, but when Little Wolf tries to howl, his creative muse takes over even more, with a “dibbity dobbity skibbity skobbity skoo-wooooo-wooooo” addition. On the third try, though not wanting to disappoint his father, Little Wolf feels a joyful noise rising up inside him and lets loose a new string of scat-singing sounds. Something stirs in Big Wolf, who finds himself howling “YIP-YIP A DIBBY, DIBBY DO-WOP A DOOOOOOOOO!” After a creative duet, the contented wolves trot home together. Kids will enjoy seeing the supportive father-son relationship, in which each party learns from the other. From the woodland, meadow, and mountain settings to the appealing depictions of the wolves, the distinctive illustrations were created collaboratively: Kvasnosky contributed the bold black line drawings and textured effects, while her sister McGee—a landscape artist—added beautiful, soft, dusky colors. Written with economy and wit, this handsome picture book is a natural for reading aloud, and kids will be ready to help when it’s time to cut loose and howl. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.

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