Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2022 K-Gr 2—"Behold: The Great Zapfino!" In this nearly wordless tale, Barnett and Frazee depict the story of a former circus performer who decides to explore a safer form of employment. In the beginning, readers see the fearless Zapfino climbing to great heights in his circus performance for an incredible leap. Then he breaks the fourth wall, looks straight at readers, and disappears. He retires to a seemingly quieter life as an elevator attendant in a high-rise building. But his circus training comes in handy in his new life as a toaster fiasco sets the building on fire and he, once again, must make a leap for his life! Readers will revel in Frazee's black-and-white drawings that transform the intense life-or-death story line to one of whimsy and hilarity. Children will revel in their role of filling in the wordless pages with their own tale of what is happening in Zapfino's life. VERDICT This charming tale will have children of all ages spellbound. Highly recommended for purchase.—Katherine Forsman - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2022 In a nearly wordless tale, Barnett and Frazee unfurl the story of a former-circus performer who overcomes a fear of heights. The dramatic opening takes readers beneath the big top, where the Great Zapfino (a small, bald boy in a striped outfit) peers over the edge of a stories-high platform. Rather than leaping to the small trampoline, as the ring master’s booming voice announces he will, Zapfino books it back down the ladder, hops on a plane, and takes up a new—much safer—life as an elevator operator in a high-rise apartment building. Frazee’s pencil illustrations intersperse panel-like sequences with full-page renderings, all filled with soft detail and well-timed drama. Zapfino’s life comes full circle when a toaster mishap sets his apartment ablaze, forcing him to leap from his window to the fire-department’s trampoline below. At once his circus training kicks in, and the Great Zapfino tumbles through the air, sproings off the trampoline, and sticks the landing. This fun mini-adventure will delight kids as they pore over the illustrations and fill in story details with their imaginations.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The combination of Barnett's popularity and Frazee's Caldecott-honor cred will make this a hot commodity. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.