Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2017 When a cat strolls into town, walking aslant, he’s noticed by the citizens, who find themselves tilting the same way he does. This means the grocer and his wife see each other in a new, happier light; a house painter creates a different design; and the librarian pulls a book off the shelf that leads to a new life. All the while, the so-called catawampus (it means “askew”) cat continues to zigzag through the streets and parks, eventually meriting a day in his honor for all the change he’s inspired. The ending is a bit confusing (has the cat straightened out?), but before that happens, there’s fun to be had, especially in a two-page spread that shows a tilted mélange of folks living life at new angles. The ink-and-watercolor art, embellished by Photoshop, has a bright, busy look that offers little eyes plenty to look at. There’s also that crooked cat to keep an eye on. In the penultimate spread, devoted to him, he twists, turns, stretches—the quintessence of cat, which kids will enjoy. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 02/01/2017 PreS-Gr 1—One Tuesday morning, the titular feline arrives in town, with his distinctive listing gait. He's largely ignored at first, until people take notice and try to "straighten him. To no avail." And when they tilt their heads to look more closely, curious things happen. The grocer's wife spots her wedding ring, which has been missing for 20 years, and her husband looks at her in a new light. The barber discovers a new sense of style, the house painter makes a creative statement, and the town librarian quits her job and sets out on an adventure. All because of a slight change in perspective. Slowly, the whole town embraces an off-kilter worldview, and the folks seem so pleased with themselves that they decide to honor their lopsided role model. The cat responds by straightening himself out and walking out of town, "once again uniquely catawampus." The tale's simple wordplay and upbeat sentiment are greatly enlivened by the clever, animated mixed-media cartoon artwork, all of which is slightly askew. The spread of the cat stretching and trying out his new stance is priceless. VERDICT This engaging read-aloud provides a slightly different slant on individuality and shifting points of view. A rousing selection for storytime and small group sharing.—Luann Toth, School Library Journal - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.