Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/15/2017 Falconer’s intrepid piglet returns for what might be her greatest challenge to date: blending in. While walking down the hall, Olivia overhears her mother complaining about what a handful her daughter is. Sure, there was the exploding blender mishap, and Olivia’s decision to wash her red socks with her dad’s white shirts—but she’d made a smoothie and done laundry by herself! Olivia begins to wonder what else her mother has been saying about her, and transforms herself into a spy to find out. In a series of comic illustrations, Falconer shows Olivia listening at keyholes and camouflaging herself to blend in with the home decor. Unsurprisingly, Olivia eventually hears something upsetting and grows afraid that her parents are planning to send her away. Not to worry, though: Olivia’s newest escapade has a happy ending and some sensible advice regarding eavesdropping. As always, Falconer’s charcoal-and-gouache illustrations capture the dramatic flair of Olivia’s personality and lively imagination. Funny and sweet, this endearing new addition to the Olivia series doesn’t disappoint. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Olivia is beloved by young readers, who will swarm or sneak to get their hands on a copy of this book. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2017 PreS-Gr 2—Olivia, the long-eared, precocious pig in striped pajamas, decides to become a spy in order to hear her mother's many complaints about her behavior. Unfortunately, she misunderstands a half-overheard conversation and lets her imagination get the best of her, convincing herself that her parents intend to send her to prison. With a trembling lip, Olivia prepares for the worst, only to find herself at the ballet (a different sort of "institution," it seems). Falconer's trademark style is in full form. After more than 10 books, this spunky, spirited pig and her antics strike a familiar note with children and adults alike. The pages are deliberately spare, with explosive pops of teal, orange, red, and pink. The details are full of whimsy, especially Olivia's brilliant and amusing camouflage strategies. Falconer returns to his unique artistic technique, adding superimposed photos of classic architecture and artwork. VERDICT Young and old fans of Olivia, as well as those new to her antics, will adore this cautionary tale about eavesdropping. Perfect for one-on-one and small group sharing.—Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.