Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2018 K-Gr 1—Self-centered Wordy Birdy talks a lot, about everything ("This one time, I totally went swimming with a narwhal. My third cousin Barb is a penguin. REALLY! Do you think there is an award for Bird of the Year?…"). She doesn't listen to anyone, even when she should. On a walk through the deep woods she babbles along, ignoring every sign of danger (there are literal signs saying "danger"), the repeated warnings of her friends, and their sage advice such as "Run for your life!" When she finally comes face to face with a hungry bear, her friends come to the rescue and Wordy Birdy finally listens. Oh, she still talks a lot, but now "Sometimes, she likes to listen, too." Sauer's fun-to-read text and Mottram's detailed and hilarious illustrations seamlessly meld into a cohesive whole. The extensive use of word balloons, repeated questions ("Does Wordy Birdy listen?"), and characters who directly address readers make for an interactive read suitable for storytime and individual sharing. VERDICT A tale of a flawed character with indomitable friends who finally learns to listen (sometimes). Purchase this amusing and entertaining read-aloud as needed.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/15/2018 Wordy Birdy is one very talkative bird. From waking up (“Hello, sunrise. Hello, pink sky. Hello, orange sky . . . Oh! Hello, gorgeous,” spying herself in mirror) and onward, enthused, if self-absorbed, Wordy Birdy has something to say about everything from her likes (spaghetti; unicorns) to her dislikes (turtlenecks; tuna salad) to general ruminations (“Why do zebras have stripes?”). Problem is, Wordy Birdy doesn’t listen—not even to her friends Squirrel, Rabbit, and Raccoon, who try to warn her as she blithely walks toward danger. Thankfully, her more-than-patient pals persist, and at the crucial moment, Wordy Birdy pays heed, the friends come to her rescue, and, ultimately, Wordy Birdy gains some appreciation for listening, too. The lively narrative, enhanced by abundant, often wry, speech bubbles, incorporates amusing commentary, witty asides, and reader-directed address, all of which comically conveys Wordy Birdy’s verbosity, her friends’ frustrations, and, ultimately, their friendship and caring. Energetic, busy layouts and page-filling, colorful cartoonish illustrations lend further pep. Employing hyperbolic elements and humor, this offers an entertaining approach to the topic of listening. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.