Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/01/2016 PreS-Gr 1—Pip, a piglet, and Nico, a bear cub, are good friends. Unfortunately, they have different ideas about how they want to play together. Pip arrives with a deluge of toys and ideas to entice his friend. He pulls out a baseball, stuffed animals, and a jump rope. Nico has no interest in these games but wants to play his cello. Pip is determined to find something that will tempt his buddy to drop the instrument and play with him. He suggests dressing up like heroes, magicians, or explorers. None of his ideas can persuade Nico to play with him. Pip is persistent and tries a game of hide-and-seek. He hides, but, sadly, no one does any seeking. Pip becomes so hurt that he decides to go home. Nico doesn't want to see his friend upset, so he comes up with a solution that may be acceptable to both parties. This is a fun book that teaches youngsters about compromising and the importance of being a good friend. The adorable illustrations are simple and allow readers to concentrate on the two playmates. The characters are delightful and animated and have appealing qualities. Pip is energetic and charming, while Nico is focused and caring. The story is told through dialogue. Two different fonts are used to easily distinguish which character is speaking. VERDICT This tale about friendship and working together will be a welcome addition to medium and larger collections.—Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 12/01/2016 This playful story about two friends at a crossroads opens with Pip, an enthusiastic pig who appears on the scene dragging a wagon full of potential playthings. Then there’s Nico, a large friendly bear, who also says that he wants to play (while opening up his cello case). But none of Pip’s suggestions meet with Nico’s approval—not dolls or blocks or dress-up or a number of other child-friendly activities. Astute readers will catch on before Pip does that Nico is already playing, just not as Pip intends. Lee’s text is as simple as Pip’s requests; just a few words describe each suggestion. The watercolor illustrations, outlined in ink, are lively and appealing, especially when depicting the many dress-up options Pip provides. And when Pip finally loses patience, we hear him loud and clear as his words spread diagonally across the page. Pair with almost any Elephant and Piggie book by Mo Willems, but especially Listen to My Trumpet! (2012), for an example of friendship confusion that is sweetly resolved. - Copyright 2016 Booklist.