Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/01/2016 PreS-Gr 2—Henri is a little caterpillar with a big dream: he wants to fly, see the world, and go on "amazing, incredibly impossible-seeming adventures." At this, readers may smile to themselves knowingly and imagine how his story will end, but McFarland serves up so much more. Henri's garden friends urge him to stay. "'Seriously, Henri, an adventure? Sounds exhausting,' Slug says with a sigh." Only Toad encourages Henri to follow his dream. And so a series of unexpected adventures ensue. He hitches a ride over the garden wall on the wings of Bird, tunnels underground with Mole, crosses a lake atop Fish, and climbs the ropes of a hot-air balloon. "But before Henri reaches the top, something happens to him. A cocoon starts to form around him… Henri is stuck. His dream is going to get away." Eventually, he sleeps, and we all know what happens when he awakens. Butterfly Henri can fly anywhere and everywhere. So where does he go? "Home. The most amazing, incredible, impossibly possible place of all." The mixed-media illustrations are at times reminiscent of Leo Lionni's work, with often simple, expressive creatures imposed on a white background. Gardens, transformation, friendship, and dreams are some of the worthy themes explored in this charming offering. VERDICT Henri's epic tale is a delightful addition to most springtime collections.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 01/01/2017 Henri the caterpillar has dreamed his whole life of flying off to see the world. While some of the other garden creatures advise against it, others assist him with his pursuit by offering rides. Eventually he happens upon a hot-air balloon, which grants him his high-flying adventure, albeit not quite as he imagined it. He becomes affixed to the balloon, metamorphoses into a butterfly, and off he goes—back home, “the most amazing, incredible, impossibly possible place of all.” Digitally enhanced watercolor illustrations accompany the straightforward text and adequately convey Henri’s adventure. Although Henri and his pals are not generally featured in close-ups, the compositions are simple enough that viewers will be able to spot the characters and their empathy-building expressions and body language. The scientific-minded will take exception to the odd description of the metamorphosis process (“A cocoon starts to form around him”), which a quick trip to the Internet can clear up. Otherwise, Henri’s sweet there’s-no-place-like-home adventure encouraging readers to “never stop chasing your dreams” hits the spot. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.

Loading...