Bound To Stay Bound

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 Arguers
 Author: Luyken, Corinna

 Publisher:  Rocky Pond Books (2025)

 Classification: Easy
 Physical Description: [40] p., col. ill., 30 cm

 BTSB No: 590917 ISBN: 9781984814425
 Ages: 4-8 Grades: K-3

 Subjects:
 Fairy tales
 Humorous fiction
 Conflict management -- Fiction

Price: $23.28

Summary:
The first argument was over a brush and a comb, which would be better for taking a tangle out of the king's beard. Next the argument over letters, then over spoons. Soon they argued all the time, and no one could remember when the arguing started or over what or by whom. So the king and queen decided to hold a contest to choose the very best arguer in the land. But what will happen when everyone is so busy arguing that they can't even hear the queen announce the start of the contest?


Reviews:
   Kirkus Reviews (03/01/25)
   Booklist (00/05/25)

Full Text Reviews:

Other - 02/24/2025 In the quarrelsome kingdom where this picture book is set, the thing common to all inhabitants is their elaborately coiffed, flowing hairstyles. Similarity aside, it’s a full-on battle royale: what starts as a spat about the effectiveness of brush versus comb in detangling the king’s serpentine beard expands across the kingdom until everyone "could argue forward and backward, right side up, and upside down." Luyken (The Tree in Me) adds that the opponents quarrel in all weather, and relish arguing not only with each other but also with flowers, fences, doorknobs, the wind-"even with the smallest of stones in the road." Soon, the royals hold a contest to decide who’s the realm’s best arguer, but when the king’s luxuriant beard catches fire, everyone quickly forgets their differences and becomes part of an impromptu bucket brigade. As the kingdom’s residents move from clashes to cooperation via an elegant, classic fairy tale tone, watercolor, ink, pencil, and gouache drawings combine the prickly energy of Ralph Steadman with the swooping lines of art nouveau style. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4-8. (May) - Copyright 2025

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