Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2023 For students and staff of Fine Elementary (A Fine, Fine School), there’s much to appreciate, including opportunities for creativity and fun. But one day, beloved, cheerful principal Mr. Keene becomes ill and is unexpectedly hospitalized. Soon, everyone’s making get-well cards and banners and even composing a special song for him. That is, until Mr. Tatters appears, the new principal who’s only interested in tests in his mission to have “a smart, smart school,” which quickly overwhelms and exhausts both students and teachers. But when Mr. Keene recuperates, his arrival back at school—followed by cheerless, exam-obsessed Mr. Tatters’ departure—brings happiness all around. And while there may be tests, he also restores time for various creative endeavors, from poetry writing to painting. Interspersed amusing elements amid familiar settings enliven the somewhat lengthy narrative and colorfully detailed, cartoon illustrations. Though the characters can lack depth, and the story can, at times, be over the top, the importance of integrating the arts into the learning experience and its positive impact on the school's kids and adults is evident throughout. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 06/15/2023 For students and staff of Fine Elementary (A Fine, Fine School), there’s much to appreciate, including opportunities for creativity and fun. But one day, beloved, cheerful principal Mr. Keene becomes ill and is unexpectedly hospitalized. Soon, everyone’s making get-well cards and banners and even composing a special song for him. That is, until Mr. Tatters appears, the new principal who’s only interested in tests in his mission to have “a smart, smart school,” which quickly overwhelms and exhausts both students and teachers. But when Mr. Keene recuperates, his arrival back at school—followed by cheerless, exam-obsessed Mr. Tatters’ departure—brings happiness all around. And while there may be tests, he also restores time for various creative endeavors, from poetry writing to painting. Interspersed amusing elements amid familiar settings enliven the somewhat lengthy narrative and colorfully detailed, cartoon illustrations. Though the characters can lack depth, and the story can, at times, be over the top, the importance of integrating the arts into the learning experience and its positive impact on the school's kids and adults is evident throughout. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 05/01/2023 K-Gr 3—Principal Keene loves his school, and it fills him with joy to see the creativity and color that fill the classrooms as the teachers and students enjoy activities such as painting and reading. When Mr. Keene is rushed to the hospital with appendicitis, everyone is worried, especially Tilly, who loves helping Mr. Keene whenever she can. When Mr. Tatters arrives to take over, he does not like what he finds. What this school needs, Mr. Tatters decides, are tests! Soon every day is full of tests, so much that Tilly doesn't even have time to play after school anymore. Text and illustrations convey the tiresome repetition of the same activity day after day, with the draining of energy palpable on the pages. When they finally have a chance to visit Mr. Keene in the hospital, the students and teachers take the time to share how much they care for him. And once he returns to school, it doesn't take long for the color and joy to return with him. The beautiful digital illustrations are reminiscent of classics such as Sarah Stewart's The Library, and both text and illustrations share a love of creativity and an appreciation for educators. VERDICT This lovely picture book companion to A Fine, Fine School welcomes readers to an incredible elementary school that appreciates creativity and those who make an impact on students' lives.—Selenia Paz - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.