Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 07/23/2023 *Starred Review* In this delectable picture-book romp, a shiny red apple hanging at the “tip-tippy top” of a tree piques the interest of several animals. As each hungry critter spies the juicy prize, jaunty rhymes capture their covetous musings: “Along lumbered Bear. ‘Nummy nums,’ growled he. ‘See that hanging there? My snack, my bite, my morsel. No way I’m gonna share.’” Unaware of any competition, each quickly takes cover in ways described through witty onomatopoeic wordplay. Mouse “zippety-eeked,” Hare “hoppety-boinged,” Fox “waggety-dashed,” Deer “trippety-skipped,” and Bear “stompety-flopped.” While the desirous animals lie in wait, they dream about the delicious moment their dinner is finally served. Caldecott Medalist Rohmann’s distinctive, stunning relief prints with bold black lines and a rich, earthy color palette relay the individual thought-bubble fantasies, all emphatically declaring, “MINE!” Amid superb pacing throughout, a standout split-panel illustration follows the animals’ still-frame, slow-motion glee as a sudden gust of wind sends the apple of everyone’s eye falling “Down . . . Down . . . Down . . . DOWN!” The melee that ensues offers a surprise ending for the greedy guts, and finders eaters for those who like to share. Full of energy and fun, Mine! is an extremely fruitful pick for storytime. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/01/2023 K-Gr 3—Alone in a tall tree, a ripe red apple gently sways, taunting the forest animals scurrying below. Mouse is the first to spy the juicy fruit, and she imagines enjoying it all on her own. Cunningly, Mouse hides under a leaf, waiting for the moment to scamper out for her sweet treat. Meanwhile, along comes Hare, who also fancies the shiny apple. He hides in the tall grass, ready to pounce. However, Mouse and Hare are not alone in their desires, for Fox, Deer, and Bear are all ready for the apple to be theirs. A gust of wind blows and finally snaps the apple from the tree. As it falls, the forest animals all at once think "Mine!" and dash to make their claim. The jumble of wrestling animals kicks up a dusty cloud of chaos, out from which the beloved fruit gently rolls unscathed. Young readers will eagerly wait to see which animal wins the apple, and will be served a surprise ending with a sweet and simple message of sharing. Fleming's cumulative, rhyming story offers a pleasantly predictable plot, presenting potential for becoming a read-aloud favorite. Rohmann's vibrant illustrations created through relief printmaking are boldly colored and outlined in thick, black lines. This dynamic duo's storytelling presentation is reminiscent of their previous book, Oh, No!VERDICT Take a bite of this sweet story to stave off the gimmes.—Emily Brush - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.