Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2022 Gr 1–3—Applegate's second tale about two canine friends offers early readers another entertaining story about being kind to others. Upon observing a bird, Pupper voices his longing to fly; he likes to picture himself as a superhero in a red suit with yellow boots and flowing cape. One day, a baby bird flies from a nest, leaving its sibling alone. Doggo assures Pupper the fledgling "will fly when he is ready." The two dogs make plans to attend a music concert at the park, but when they arrive, they discover the second baby bird hiding under a bush. Pupper insists they stay close to make sure the fledgling is safe until its mother arrives; they miss the concert, but perform a good deed. Alder's humorous illustrations, created from a mix of collage and digital techniques, include Doggo lying on a bench with his legs crossed at the ankles; Cat snacking on Goldfish crackers; and Doggo's ability to use the TV remote control and willingness to teach Pupper to play the drums. The book concludes with "Pupper's Guide to Being a Hero," which lists 10 codes of conduct, including "Be helpful," "Imagine how others feel," and "Listen well." Pupper learns that while giving assistance to those in need may not always look flashy, it can still make one feel like a superhero. VERDICT A number of attractive features, including cartoon illustrations, seven short chapters, numbered pages, and being part of a series will entice early readers. A first purchase for libraries.—Maryann H. Owen - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2022 The second installment in this easy-reading series trots in a roster of positive behaviors and values (itemized at the end) as frisky young Pupper’s wish to be a hero like Wonder Dog on TV is fulfilled when he discovers a baby bird hiding in a bush and, overcoming his nagging fear of giant squirrels, passes up a chance to hear a concert in the park to wait protectively with his older, slower canine companion, Doggo, until the fledgling is reunited with its mama. Before strolling back home paw in paw, the two pooches also take time to appreciate the “music” of ordinary sounds in the park and make a little of their own using twigs as drumsticks. Alder illustrates Applegate’s simply phrased, contraction-free narrative with amiably informal cartoon scenes that capture all of the episode’s sweet harmonies. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.