Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/01/2018 Crunch is a shy dinosaur—and persuading him out from hiding will take patience, persistence, and understanding. How to start? Perhaps saying hello first—“Oh my, you’ve said it too loudly. He seems to have run off.” What next? “He likes the ‘Happy Birthday’ song. . . . If you sing it, maybe he’ll come out.” And that works—briefly. It’s a process, and throughout the day, with an unseen narrator helping readers discover what words, approaches, or voice volumes work, Crunch progressively responds, from coming closer to playfully donning his “most-fun hat” and dancing. Eventually, however, it’s time to say, “Good night, Crunch,” though getting him to sleep may also take multiple tries. Bright, simply rendered cartoon illustrations contain varying perspectives and expressive, droll touches to depict Crunch’s hesitant friendliness. The read-aloud-friendly prose invites ample participation and includes some playful, humorous surprises, which temper the text’s occasionally purposeful feel. Although certain elements may need explaining, such as the concept of “appropriate distance,” overall, this is a supportive, gentle portrayal of addressing—and respecting—others’ shyness. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 05/01/2018 PreS-K—Crunch is a hot-pink, nonthreatening dinosaur. An unseen narrator gives readers a series of directions on how to interact with him, setting up an entertaining, interactive story experience. Larger lessons about how to relate to others lurk beneath the surface of this lighthearted tale. Since Crunch is shy, the narrator suggests that readers "be the first to say hello," but not too loudly. When Crunch is scared off, luring him back involves singing the "Happy Birthday" song. Young children get practice in using quiet, loud, and medium voices, introducing themselves, and employing good manners. In the end, readers are prompted to bid Crunch good night and demonstrate how to lie down and get ready to sleep. Crunch's antics may not make this book the best for bedtime reading, but it is successful in exploring varying methods of communication. Humorous illustrations by Geisel-winner Pizzoli are rendered in an appealing childlike cartoon style, with the look of bright pastels. VERDICT Combine this book with Mo Willems's Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct, Lisa Wheeler's "Dino-Sports" series, or Syd Hoff's classic Danny and the Dinosaur for a dynamic storytime. An excellent interactive choice.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.