Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/01/2016 K-Gr 2—Young Lazlo buys his lady love a red rose, which is stolen by a mischievous cat who leads him on a wild romp through the theater where his sweetheart is playing the lead in a production of Alice in Wonderland. While this may sound like a thin plot, the author has a purpose: introducing young readers to a few of the many superstitions observed by those who work in the theater. "Flowers should never be presented before a performance." "It is bad luck to open a show on Friday." And, of course, the familiar "break a leg." As Lazlo pursues the feline, he runs by actors getting into their costumes, musicians tuning their instruments, and prop masters preparing the scenery, then right across the stage into the wings, where the cat finally drops the rose (there's a mouse to catch!). Light's delightfully detailed pen-and-ink illustrations use focused areas of color to stand out against his signature black-and-white backdrops. Each spread is a visual feast that references both the world of the stage and Lewis Carroll's beloved Wonderland characters. For most of the story, Lazlo seems decidedly unlucky, until the end, when he steals the show and Alice's heart. Readers are then invited to go back and search for each of the superstitions hiding in the illustrations. VERDICT While not as immediately accessible as some of Light's books for younger readers, such as Have You Seen My Dragon? and Swap!, this title will appeal to children interested in the theater and the many strange and fascinating beliefs of those who tread the boards.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 01/01/2017 Lazlo is a boy in a love. He buys a rose from the florist, and it’s the last one. Lucky Lazlo! He heads off to the theater where his girl is starring in a play. But why is that orange tabby following him? Turns out the cat likes flowers too and runs off with the rose. The rest of the story is a mad dash through the streets, through the theater, and right into the orchestra pit. It looks like Lazlo will be rose-less, until the cat spies a mouse and drops the rose. Lucky Lazlo! The story is mostly action, especially in the intricate last spread that follows Lazlo’s dash across the stage with a dotted-line path. The hand-drawn art is done in thick fountain-pen lines broken by spots of red, orange, and green. This is a wild ride that kids will enjoy. What will not be as clear to little ones is that the story is also full of theater lore and superstitions, enumerated on the last page. Adult readers will enjoy that. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.