Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2016 K-Gr 2—In this book within a book, readers are greeted by Elephant and Piggie, who are ready to share "some of their favorite books" with readers. Santat tackles the subject of division in a way that young kids will relate to—figuring out how to split up cookies fairly. The characters include a nervous purple hippo, a crocodile, a squirrel with pigtails, and a blue squirrel with glasses. They have a problem. There are four of them and only three cookies. How will they divide them up equally? Maybe the two squirrels should share one. Hippo suggests they share by size, but the crocodile protests, "WAIT! You are HUGE! You would get all the cookies!" Finally, a happy accident presents the solution. Those looking for "Elephant & Piggie" read-alikes will not be disappointed. The story is similarly told entirely in speech bubbles. The emotions of the characters are effectively conveyed through these speech bubbles, which change in size to express excitement and frustration, and the comic-style illustrations, which add dramatic appeal and humor. The language is more complex than most beginning reader texts, but kids won't mind. VERDICT With fun new characters and cameo appearances by Elephant and Piggie, this title is sure to be a hit with beginning readers. Libraries should be prepared for this one to fly off the shelves.—Kimberly Tolson, Medfield Public Library, MA - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2016 In this Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! title, it’s cookie time, and four pals—a hippo, a crocodile, and two squirrels—are psyched. Alas, there are only three cookies, bringing quandary and then contention. Complicating matters is the hippo’s tendency to break things when nervous, which initially results in six cookie pieces (“This is not good,” says Croc). As the squabbles continue, the cookies are in danger of becoming crumbs, but fortunately, those broken pieces eventually add up to just the right amount for each, bringing a happy and delicious resolution. Told in speech bubbles and witty asides, this is perfect for early readers. Vibrant full-color cartoon illustrations, with hyperbolic and humorous touches, keep the expressive animal friends at the forefront. Santat’s big among the picture-book set, and this will help usher those fans into more independent reading. - Copyright 2016 Booklist.