Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/29/2023 K-Gr 2—A great book for introducing even older children to the notion that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Acknowledging the source as Aesop, Tabor introduces Simon, a dog who is happy with his bone until he spots another dog with a better one (his reflection in water). What should he do? How can he get that bone for himself? Simon has some creative attempts, but nothing seems to work until finally he throws caution to the wind and decides to just pounce. Students will be laughing and cheering for poor little Simon and his very real struggle. The heartwarming ending gives students an example of how to be a good friend, even through conflict. The pencil, color pencil, and acrylic paint give the soft illustrations a beautiful light feeling. A favorite image is the last, showing Simon walking home hoping he will see his new friend soon, just as he is getting ready to pass a particular store. VERDICT This good-natured story will have students and teachers alike laughing at the trials and tribulations of silly Simon, whether they are familiar with the original or not.—Darla Kaminsky - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/15/2023 This heartwarming story updates Aesop's fable The Dog and His Reflection. A small brown dog bounds through an urban park, then digs up a bone. The dog, Simon, is happy with his find until he sees what he believes to be another dog with a better bone (of course, it's just his reflection in a pond). When the other dog ignores his attempts to engage, he becomes increasingly frustrated until he finally pounces into the water. When he emerges from the pond, Simon feels sorry. So when he spots an even better better bone, Simon offers it to the other dog. This surprising act of generosity is a refreshing twist to the original fable. The text and the illustrations partner seamlessly to tell the story, yet each is strong enough to stand alone. This book's unique orientation cleverly uses the gutter in the vertical double-page spreads to show Simon and his reflection. The abundant white space keeps the reader's focus on Simon, and Tabor effectively uses simple lines and curves to show Simon's dynamic emotions and movements. The pastel color palette complements the gentle tone, while the exuberant scribbles in colored pencil and joyful dabs of acrylic paint underscore the childlike spirit of the story. This is sure to be a storytime favorite. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.