Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2018 An inventive child, Ruby finds some old boards and envisions possibilities. “Who will help me build something?” she asks her brothers. Oscar Lee ignores her. Rodrigo gives her “a look that could melt Popsicles,” and José almost falls off the fence. They all inform her that she doesn’t know how. “Then I’ll learn,” she says. Using a narrative framework and dialogue inspired by the Little Red Hen, this picture book shows Ruby drawing up plans, gathering supplies, and building a fort (with help from older family members). After the usual climax, the boys paint the fort, add a mailbox, and plant flowers, creating a happy ending for all. An appended do-it-yourself page offers pictures of relatively easy fort-building ideas, one made with sofa cushions and another with blankets draped over bunk beds. In her picture-book debut, Maier judiciously adapts one of the best nursery stories, keeps it simple, and makes it her own. The upbeat mixed-media illustrations are nicely varied in composition and perspective. A lively picture book that’s fun to read aloud. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 02/01/2018 PreS-Gr 2—This book begins with the line, "Ruby's mind was always full of ideas." When the child finds some old boards she decides that she wants to build something. So she asks her brothers for help. They tell her she doesn't know how, but she says, "Then I'll learn." Each step of the way Ruby asks the boys to help, but every time they reply: "Not me," said Oscar Lee; "I don't think so," said Rodrigo; and "No way" said José. So each time Ruby does everything herself. She draws the plans, gathers the supplies, cuts the boards (with her mom's help), hammers the nails (with grandma's help). Finally when the fort is complete, Ruby asked who wants to play in it. Her three brothers definitely want to do that. But Ruby tells them that they haven't done anything to help her, so she will play in the fort by herself. The boys set about to make amends by fashioning a mailbox, planting flowers, and painting the fort fire-engine red. Ruby loves it! That evening she invites her brothers to a cookie feast, which they all enjoy in the fort. The bold and dynamic artwork captures the kids' personalities and creative energy. VERDICT This delightful retelling of the old story of "The Little Red Hen" is perfect for storytime or one-on-one sharing. It also reminds girls that they can do whatever they set their minds to do.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, formerly at Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.