Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2016 Gr 1–3—Sitting on the steps of the children's center, Lester anxiously waits for his new parents and their dog, Wincka, to take him home. They've waited a year for this moment, as "it always takes a long time to adopt someone." Even though Lester loves his new home and Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, everyone has a lot to learn about one another and their new roles. Lester still fears someone might come to hurt him and so cannot unpack his action figures, which he keeps ever ready in a little blue suitcase. Hurt also comes in angry words as the new Daddy Albert realizes. After enduring many nights of interrupted sleep, tripping over action figures, and bumping into the blue suitcase, Daddy Albert explodes at Lester. His anger recedes quickly, and he is as upset as Lester, who shares his fear and loneliness. Wincka, a wise dog (who resembles another Raschka canine), quietly comes up with the solution; she simply moves into Lester's bed, which she will continue to share with the boy and his action figures. The evocative story is quietly told in accessible, sensitive language. Equally moving watercolors use fluid line and gentle colors to amplify the poignant family story and portray each distinctive character. The text, written by Williams, is a deeply personal one and the last book she would write before her death. VERDICT This tender and uplifting tale, probably best shared one-on-one, should find a home in every children's collection.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2016 Lester has been waiting to go home with Daddy Rich and Daddy Albert, and at last, the adoption is final. But once in his new home, Lester finds it hard to let go of his little blue suitcase and the protective action figures that reside within. He wanders around at night, hoping his dads will let him sleep in their bed. Everyone in the family is stressed until Wincka, the family dog, solves the problem when he moves from Rich and Albert’s bed to Lester’s, bringing safety with him. This final book by the acclaimed Williams offers honest emotions, provides thoughts on both isolation and inclusion, and promotes the promise of family. The book could have been trimmed—there is a lot of backstory to get to its perfect ending—but the extra pages give Raschka, who worked right beside Williams, ample space to do his thing. The bright art, more realistic than in some of Raschka’s other books, captures the complexities and joy of a new family and is as honest as Williams’ words. One last gift from Williams. - Copyright 2016 Booklist.