Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2020 K-Gr 2—Houndsley and his friends Catina and Bert spend every Saturday morning at the library tutoring, taking classes, and volunteering. Librarian Trixie has always greeted them with a smile, a joke, and book recommendations. However, on their latest visit, Trixie seems sad and preoccupied. As the three friends leave, they notice a sign that says the library is closing and to please bring something special to Trixie's farewell party. The friends learn that Trixie is retiring to pursue a circus career and there is no one to take her place. Saddened that they are losing their beloved library, all three prepare their "something special" for Trixie. Houndsley and Catina know right away what they are going to bring. Bert struggles; how can he thank her for all of the happy Saturdays he has spent at the library? At the party, Houndsley brings baked goods to share. Catina gives Trixie a beautiful circus performer's outfit she created. Bert brings himself and his desire to take Trixie's place as the new librarian so the library will not have to close. The watercolor, pencil, and collage illustrations are gentle and expressive, and the text is just right for readers transitioning into beginning chapter books. VERDICT A good choice for early reader collections that works equally well as part of the series or as a standalone.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2020 *Starred Review* Every Saturday morning, Houndsley, Catina, and Bert visit the library. But one week, Trixie the librarian barely greets them and goes home early. As they leave, the three friends notice a sign indicating that the library will be closing. Determined to comfort Trixie, they visit her home, only to find her jumping joyfully on her trampoline. Newly enrolled in circus school, she’s eager to retire but sad that, with no librarian, the library must close. The following week, at Trixie’s retirement party, Bert asks for her help in finding a library school, so that he can enroll and keep the library open. Hurrah! The charm of this amusing beginning-reader book is that just when the plot seems entirely predictable, the turn of a page surprises readers with a wacky left turn in the story, even while remaining true to the characters. Created with watercolor, pencil, and collage, the illustrations express varied emotions, maintaining a buoyant tone overall. Kudos to Howe and Gay for the seventh satisfying entry in the dependable Houndsley and Catina series. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.