Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2018 K-Gr 2—Rupert, a quiet rhino, gets more than he bargains for when a loud and obnoxious tickbird named Levi shows up at school and hops onto his nose. At first, Rupert, who enjoys reading dictionaries, listening to classical overtures, and eating cucumber sandwiches, is annoyed by Levi's presence. The raucous bird enjoys corny jokes, armpit farts, and popping wheelies. The two spend a lot of time together until Rupert devises a plan to make Levi leave but somehow the persistent little tickbird manages to stick to him like glue, at least for a while. When Levi is finally out of Rupert's hair, the rhino finds himself alone and feeling terrible. In the end, the two agree to become friends, creating an unusual pairing full of laughs and unexpected surprises. Like most of Harrison's books, this story is visually appealing and uses metaphors to deliver a cleverly crafted message about the value of friendship and interdependence. Robust vocabulary enriches the story line and creates opportunities for teachable moments. Underpinning the story is a series of kid-friendly antics that will undoubtedly tickle a few funny bones. VERDICT Teeming with emotionally stirring messages about the benefit of symbiotic relationships, this book will not only serve as a great read-aloud but will also help reshape the future of character education.—Andrea Jamison, Lincoln Elementary School, Calumet City, IL - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/15/2018 Rupert, a reserved rhinoceros, enjoys reading dictionaries and listening to classical music. Levi, a boisterous tickbird, loves cheesy puns and air guitar. As narrator Rupert relates, Levi appears at school one day and, literally, latches onto him, causing loner Rupert endless embarrassment. From Levi burping the alphabet to enthusiastically eating Rupert’s ticks at lunchtime, increasingly annoyed Rupert’s had enough: “Your uncouthness is slightly problematic,” and then, when that doesn’t get the message across, “I want to be left alone.” Soon Rupert discovers things are dull and lonely without Levi, so he visits the bird’s home and apologizes (with a heartfelt knock-knock joke), and the two happily play air guitar together. Delightful, intricately detailed, and colorful acrylic illustrations showcase expressive, anthropomorphized animals in familiar settings and activities, which, along with comical asides and exuberant sound effects, extend and enrich Rupert’s fairly straightforward account. This entertaining tale of friendship and symbiosis (defined at the start and end of the book) highlights appreciating others’ unique characteristics and offers a multifaceted picture of what it means to stick together. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.