Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2018 K-Gr 2—Two mismatched acquaintances speak a language of their own in this fictitious tale that reads more like a modern-day fable. Kalinka, a small yellow bird, fancies herself to be a good helper. Grakkle, on the other hand, is a messy and burly beast. After flying into Grakkle's house uninvited, Kalinka unilaterally decides to tidy things up a bit. However, instead of putting things in order, she makes a mess of her own. From placing pencils into a spaghetti box, mail in the toaster, and placing a bow on Grakkle's head, Kalinka flutters around completing a series of self-gratifying tasks. A frustrated Grakkle tries to send her away to no avail. Kalinka continues to remain oblivious to her own brash behavior until one final event sends Grakkle into a fury and lands Kalinka in a world of trouble. Fortunately, they each receive an opportunity to learn an important lesson about the value of self-control and are able to coexist happily and/or "messily" ever after as friends. A strong emphasis on friendship provides a solid theme for this book. Of course, Paschkis's ink-and-gouache illustrations shine, but they do not make up for the predictable plot or flat humor. VERDICT A mildly entertaining choice with strong lessons about self-control, this book is an additional purchase but definitely not a top pick.—Andrea Jamison, Lincoln Elementary School, Calumet City, IL - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/15/2018 Kalinka, a small yellow bird, desperately wants to be helpful. Her neighbor, Grakkle, is a grouchy, messy monster. Despite his attempts to send Kalinka away, she stubbornly starts to tidy up, although her methods are questionable. Hanging socks from the rafters, eating Grakkle’s cookies, poking pencils in a spaghetti box, sliding mail into the toaster, and even working to tame his matted hair are just some of the ways she tries to improve Grakkle’s personal hygiene and his cluttered home. Since Grakkle only says the word “Grakk!” Kalinka decides he is pleased. Exuberant ink-and-gouache folk-art-style illustrations depict Grakkle’s growing frustration with his unwelcome guest. When he accidentally knocks Kalinka into the pickle bucket he uses to soak his warty feet, however, Grakkle fears he has gone too far. After a successful rescue, the two decide perhaps napping is a better shared activity for them than cleaning. Humorous monster details will pull in readers for this lighthearted tale of an unusual friendship. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.