Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2015 Wohnoutka, the illustrator of Moo! (2013), an ALA Notable Book, turns in another delightfully screwy performance here. First-day-of-school jitters is the subject, and role reversal is the comedy-filled antidote. Oliver and his dad have had a great summer together. Now it’s time to get ready for school. Everything seems to be going swimmingly until the morning of, when his dad’s tummy starts hurting. Dad doesn’t want to go to school. He stalls; he hides. Oliver has to drag his dad to the car. Once at school, Dad is the one who clings. It’s not until later, when Dad returns, peeks into the classroom, and sees all the fun Oliver is having—playing, drawing, singing, and reading—that Dad realizes they are both ready for school. Wohnoutka peps the story up by mixing cartoon panels with single- and double-page spreads, all in comforting earth tones. This clever reversal of confident child with nervous parent is reassuring and hilarious. Readers may want to check out Julie Danneberg’s First Day Jitters (2000) and Jonathan London’s Froggy Goes to School (1996). - Copyright 2015 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 08/01/2015 PreS-Gr 1—Oliver and his dad had a fun summer—playing, singing, and reading together. When it comes time for school, Oliver is ready, but his dad grows nervous as the big day nears. As Oliver's dad complains his stomach hurts, hides from his son as they prepare to leave, and drives slowly to school, Oliver is the one reassuring his dad. This familiar story will hit home with kids and parents alike who have experienced first day of school jitters. As Oliver's dad proclaims, "I'm not ready for school!" The colorful gouache illustrations will elicit giggles from young readers as they imagine their parents behaving like Oliver's dad. VERDICT A charming addition to the popular first day of school section.—Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Loading...