Bound To Stay Bound

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Bulletin for the Center... - 09/01/2013 A trio of apex predators, a lion, a great white shark, and a timber wolf, form a support group to develop strategies to cope with the fact that their neighbors don’t like them. They take a crack at vegetarianism, but greens don’t agree with the lion and the shark, while the wolf notices that “every single berry bush seemed to have a bunny inside.” Another successful carnivore, a great horned owl, suggests they simply give up the angst and accept themselves for the meat eaters that they are. They take his advice, and, wouldn’t you know it, the owl is not only wise but “also DELICIOUS.” Reynolds could have pocketed the laugh and quit right there, but struggles on for several more pages before the final gag-the wolf and the lion reading a sushi cookbook while the nervous shark looks on. The low-cal plotting is tastier for kids who read Reynolds’ bio blurb on the jacket flap, documenting his own epic fail at vegetarianism; his comic cri de coeur is delightfully supported by Santat’s mixed-media pictures, with their Disneyesque hues and composition and the savory tidbits tucked into the spreads. The shark, forced onto land to attend his support group, is particularly winsome in his transparent diver’s helmet full of water. This may not rise to main course, but it could be a tasty appetizer at a food themed story time. EB - Copyright 2013 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2013 K-Gr 2—The cartoon animals in this picture book bear a distinct resemblance to the expressive animals of the big screen. These wide-eyed carnivores have a peculiar problem: their feelings are hurt because the other critters do not appreciate their eating habits. The humorous text follows a great white shark, a timber wolf, and a lion as they strive to fit in. At first, they think becoming vegetarians will help. They even form a support group. But despite their efforts, they realize they just can't change their appetites. Then, they don disguises and try to blend in, but their socializing attempts end poorly. A wise, old owl explains, "I'm not bad. I'm a carnivore. Eating meat is just what I do." The three predators like the advice so much that they eat the owl. The adorable bunnies don't fare well either. This book is not for the squeamish. Part personal acceptance mantra, part no-holds-barred buffet, it's funny in the same vein as Michelle Knudsen's Big Mean Mike (Candlewick, 2012). While not all readers will like the food-chain cruelty or enjoy the sometimes mixed messages, this will be a favorite for rowdy read-alouds. The well-paced text moves quickly and is paired deliciously with the bold, colorful illustrations. The grizzly heroes even eat the animals in the endpapers. Grim and chuckle-inducing from cover to cover.—Leila Sterman, Chappaqua Library, NY - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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