Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/01/2023 A girl stands serenely, about knee-high, in her yard, arms branching outward, feet rooted to the ground, because, of course, she's pretending to be a tree. Why? Because a tree gets to stay outside all day long! When her dad finds out what she's doing, she persuades him to join her. Just for a minute, he insists, but what follows is a full day of tree-ish shenanigans. As the dad is besieged by various discomforts—birds, bugs, rain, kites—his daughter reassures him that those things don't bother trees, and a hilariously befuddled Dad stays in character. Agee illustrates the story in beautifully simple strokes, employing his trademark style through a softly bright color palette. The consistency of the setting—father and daughter standing as trees beside an actual tree—allows young readers to easily identify Dad's incoming irritants, giving the humor a guaranteed punch. Kids will be tickled by the playful premise and the control exerted by the child over the parent. A fun, funny lap read—but dads beware. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 05/26/2023 PreS-Gr 1—While her dad completes some yard work, Madeleine stands still, arms outstretched, pretending to be a tree. "Because a tree gets to stay outside all day long!" Madeleine gets her dad to join in and the neighborhood wildlife clearly finds Dad's act convincing. He soon finds himself host to a growing menagerie of birds, itchy insects, and even an industrious squirrel. Madeleine repeatedly informs him that trees aren't bothered by any of these things, but after a kite to the face and pouring rain it is clear Dad's patience is wearing thin. It is not until the dark of night falls that Dad finally insists to Madeleine that they are not trees. She happily agrees, sharing a smile with her father to celebrate an entire day spent outdoors. This is a humorous story infused with a simple joy and a few wry winks to adults. The text is entirely dialogue, without any word bubbles or dialogue tags. The placement of the words and context clues make it clear which character is speaking. Their banter is enhanced by Agee's trademark witty illustrations. The charm of this story is how entirely absorbed Dad becomes in his child's play. Even though he is clearly annoyed by some of the aspects of nature he endures, he never once breaks the conceit of their game. The impact of this child-centered behavior is evident on Madeleine's constantly smiling face and will likely lead to smiles on readers' faces as well. Recommend to fans of the TV show Bluey, who are familiar with fathers losing themselves in their children's playscapes. VERDICT A silly celebration of play, imagination, and devoted fathers that would enhance a Father's Day program or display. Recommended for first purchase.—Elizabeth Lovsin - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.