Bound To Stay Bound

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Booklist - 05/01/2017 *Starred Review* It’s race day! Mama Lion and her young pal Tigey are set to hop in their sports car and take on the Flying Pandinis, Bun Bun on her motorbike, and the unscrupulous Knitted Monkey Crew. As the vehicles fly through the Italian countryside, it is full speed ahead until Tigey swerves to avoid hitting a butterfly, and a wheel comes off. Repairs prove difficult—until the Pandinis stop to offer a helping paw. But not all fellow racers are so considerate. The monkeys, for instance, toss banana peels to foul up their fellow contestants. At the last moment, right when it seems as if Mama Lion and Tigey might win, they let the Pandinis take first place. Mama’s explanation about friendship being more important than winning is a bit didactic, but still welcome. Muth’s artistic talents are at full speed here. His stuffed animal–like lion and tiger, along with toy characters seemingly drawn from other storybooks, are delights, and racing-lovers will adore the takes on early Italian racing vehicles. Mostly, though, it’s Muth’s freedom of art that entrances. The strong palette, perpetual motion, swirls of color, and unexpected perspectives are all underpinned by the solid values of courtesy, respect, and friendship that move gracefully through the story. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 07/01/2017 PreS-Gr 2—Mama Lion and Tigey are excited: it is race day! They examine their route, take a gander at the prizes, greet the competition in the town square, and drive off with Tigey behind the wheel. The Knitted Monkeys are up to mischief and try to get ahead in the race, but others soon take the lead. When Tigey swerves to avoid hitting a butterfly, the pair must stop to repair a wheel. Unexpectedly, the Flying Pandinis, two oval-shaped pandas and a turtle who are ace mechanics, stop to help get them back on the road. The Pandinis and Mama Lion and Tigey take first and second place—in spite of the Monkeys' shenanigans. Deftly executed watercolors present the action inspired by road races in a lush Italian countryside. Fascinating details are included on each spread. (Children will likely spot a cameo appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog and Mo Willems's Pigeon before adults notice.) By the race's end, Tigey comes to appreciate Mama Lion's initial, measured response to his enthusiasm: "Winning is fun, but it isn't everything." VERDICT Gorgeous illustrations and a sweet story make this a pleasing and palatable read-aloud and a subtle lesson for younger children.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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