Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2017 *Starred Review* There are countless picture books about mothers and babies, and even more about bedtime, but this charmer is a standout. In a fanciful rain forest, a mama elephant, orangutan, leopard, and monkey decide it’s time for their little ones to go to bed. But where are they, those “sleepyheads,” those “tired babies”? A two-page spread shows the babies not rubbing their eyes, but strumming mandolins and sword fighting. As the moms seek, the children hide—in the water, in a canoe, and finally under a tent. Once discovered, they realize they are quite tired after all, and soon everyone is dozing in the midst of luxuriant flora. The clever rhyming text, all recited by the mothers, is juxtaposed against the silent yet joyous antics of the kids who are having as much fun fooling their mamas as they are in their play. It’s startling to realize the bursting-off-the-page art is only executed in shades of blue, yellow, and orange against white backgrounds; such vibrancy would normally require a rainbow of colors. With its short text and standout art, this will make a great read at storytimes, but parents and children will enjoy its humor and warmth at home as well. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/01/2017 PreS—As the sun sets over the jungle, four mischievous baby animals—an orangutan, a panda, an elephant, and a leopard—are playing in their tree house. When they hear their mamas say that it's time to find their babies, "sing lullabies," and "put them to bed," the little ones sneak away and hide while the mothers look for them. Once the moms retrieve their babies, they snuggle their darlings, sing them a lullaby, and give them a kiss. The verso page offers a little blurb explaining how to "give YOUR baby animal kisses: Leopard kiss=rub cheeks/Panda kiss=tummy smooch," etc. McMullan's charming singsong verse pairs perfectly with Nyeu's whimsical illustrations in soft orange and blue tones, laid out on lush spreads. VERDICT A perfect option for a bedtime cuddle or pajama storytime, this sweet and funny tale is sure to delight its audience and may well become a nightly staple.—Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.