Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 11/15/2016 *Starred Review* Captain Alfred’s boat is packed with new ducks for his farm, his faithful dog, a beautiful egg for his wife, which is tucked carefully in his fiddle case, and plenty of high spirits. It isn’t long, however, before this happy little vessel meets with a powerful storm that tips it bow over stern and scatters its passengers into the sea. Adrift in the fiddle case sits a newly hatched duckling, Alfred, who fishes the captain’s fiddle from the water and gives it a hug, causing the instrument to make “the most beautiful sound.” He swims to a foggy bit of land where he wards off his fear by playing a comforting tune on the fiddle. Music fills the air like colorful confetti, first drawing the captain’s lost dog to Alfred, and then the captain’s wife, who has been anxiously awaiting her husband’s return. The joyful notes finally make their way to the stranded captain, guiding him back home. Best known for illustrating Kate DiCamillo’s The Tale of Despereaux (2003), Ering has created an endearing picture book sure to enthrall young readers. Scratchy acrylic paint combines with ink, charcoal, and graphite to form atmospheric scenes—notably the roiling sea and ghostly fog—that capture the story’s drama and warmth. Youngsters will be smitten with Ering’s diminutive hero and cheer him on to the final page. - Copyright 2016 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 01/01/2017 K-Gr 2—Captain Alfred is delighted to bring home a duck egg to his wife. He places it in his fiddle case and whimsically names the soon-to-be-hatched youngster Alfred Fiddleduckling. When a nasty storm hits and destroys the boat, sending everyone off in different directions, it appears that all is lost. Captain Alfred's wife waits anxiously at home for her husband's return. Little Alfred hatches, and he finds himself alone in the fiddle case. In searching for someone or something to hang on to, he discovers the fiddle floating nearby. Alfred revels in this unusual object and goes to work playing it with his wing. Soon, he realizes that the music he creates brings comfort to others besides himself and may even provide a way home for some. Ering's gorgeous paintings highlight the magic contained in an instrument beautifully played and the wonder of a safe return home. VERDICT A book full of emotion that addresses the needs of all human hearts. A first purchase for most picture book collections.—Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.