Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2017 PreS-Gr 2—In this energetic picture book, veteran author-illustrator McClintock tells the tale of a strange book found on a library book drop that turns an ordinary day magical. A young girl with brown skin finds a handmade book that explains how to do five forms of ancient Chinese martial arts. As she masters the poses, she brings giant animals to life and they cause a ruckus in her house. McClintock borrows five animal forms from Chinese martial arts traditions—the crane, leopard, snake, dragon, and the one that "returns everything to the way it was." The endpapers have ink drawings of the animals and stylized Chinese characters, and an author's note describes her connection to Chinese martial arts. Humorous ink, gouache, and watercolor paintings are expressive and bright, with the books and dolls in the girls room flinging around gleefully. VERDICT Those looking for informational books on martial arts and the different forms and traditions will need to look elsewhere, but this joyful story will tickle young readers.—Lisa Nowlain, Nevada County Community Library, CA - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 10/01/2017 Hee-yah! Most kids are fascinated with martial arts, as is our unnamed heroine. She finds a book about ancient Chinese animal forms and, despite warnings that they’re for experts only, begins to carefully replicate each pose. She starts with the Crane, and is startled when an actual crane appears and starts wreaking havoc. She reads that the Leopard will overpower the Crane, so that pose comes next, followed by the Snake and then the Dragon. Each new apparition adds to the mayhem, as lamps and end tables go flying. The final form restores serenity, and the girl barely manages to restore order just as Mom comes home with a surprise: tickets to the zoo. McClintock’s vibrant graphic novel–like illustrations use black outlines to set off the girl’s careful modeling of each pose, and multihued watercolor overlays convincingly portray the increasingly frenetic action. The story is told through the pictures, with concise word bubble and brief background snippet reinforcement. McClintock’s books are always in demand, and this timely offering will delight audiences. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.