Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 08/08/2023 Madeline looks forward to the Blessing of the Animals, and she has made colorful paper leaves to decorate the animal shelter afterward. At the park, she and her mother wait in line with Madeline’s dog, Star. Madeline is fascinated by Miss Mary (Reverend Mary Alice) as she blesses the animals, from the goat to the goldfish. Miss Mary touches Star, looks into his eyes, and recognizes his special gift: sharing joy. When Madeline asks her to bless the animals at the shelter, Miss Mary deputizes Madeline to do so. Madeline visits each animal and writes its blessing, such as “I have a big heart,” on the paper leaf she attaches to its cage. Papp tells this quiet story with simplicity and grace. Certain children will be intrigued by the ceremony, by Madeline’s serious approach to her task, and by her ability to connect with the animals. Created using pencil on paper, watercolor, and digital coloring, the illustrations have an aura of warmth and contentment. An appealing addition to Papp’s series of picture books about Madeline Finn. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/01/2023 Gr 1–3—The fourth adventure in this decidedly old-fashioned true-blue series of picture books (Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog) is a perfect continuation of the life of a gentle, but spirited girl with an affinity for animals. From her striped tights to her Ramona-like bob and rabbit-face shoes, Madeline is a doll in motion from the first page, up early for the Blessing of the Animals. Of course she will take Star, her huggable dog, and Mom suggests Madeline make more leaves (there are garlands around the house) for the animal shelter. Red-haired Mrs. Dimple drops off her pooch, Bonnie, for Madeline to take with her, and when she arrives, there is already a long line of townspeople, old and young, with a range of skin tones, and one using a wheelchair, all with animals. And the definition of animals means a fish in a bowl or two ferrets on leashes, as well as more conventional choices. A woman in a brown robe, likely a Franciscan, blesses each one and empowers Madeline to bless the animals at the shelter. Madeline's novel way of making sure all the animals are loved leads her right into her mother's arms for a blessing of her own. There is so much goodness in this little charmer. Children may feel as if they've stepped into another time, or a scene out of an old movie and a different United States. VERDICT To booktalk this one is to make a pitch for kindness, generosity, and love. There are worse ways to build a story hour.—Kimberly Olson Fakih - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.