Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/01/2019 *Starred Review* In this follow-up to Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great (2013), it’s back-to-school time and Unicorn’s ready to be noticed. However, his classmates, even his pal Goat, are more interested in a new fad, rubber bands in unusual shapes, leaving Unicorn feeling like an un-awesome “yawn-icorn.” Determined to regain the spotlight, he returns the next day with a “sassy new look and cheery, whimsical attitude.” But whether he’s blithely throwing glitter, disrupting lunchtime by turning a classmate’s sandwich into gold, or appointing himself halftime performer for the school’s soccer match, his self-centered behavior irritates everyone, who tell Unicorn to go home. However, with unexpected help and perspective, Unicorn discovers what makes him feel truly awesome. Shea’s vibrant, energetic illustrations, jam-packed with scribbles and doodles, are just the right match for Unicorn’s over-the-top plan (not content with “making it rain cupcakes,” Unicorn ups the ante with “full-size, flaming birthday cakes”—to his classmates’ dismay). Comical background details, such as a montage of students finding shapes in rubber bands (“A bicycle tire!” “A porthole! Porthole, porthole. Another porthole!” “A doughnut!”), add even more laughs. Text formatting, sound effects, and some meta humor lend further peppiness. The busy layouts and numerous visual asides and commentary are perfectly in keeping with the frenetic pace. This uproarious, entertaining look at attention, self-esteem, and being a good friend is sure to find an enthusiastic audience. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Shea's no stranger to the best-seller lists, and his fans will be eager for this one, too. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 08/01/2019 PreS-Gr 1—Unicorn is ready to start school with his friend Goat, but becomes upset when he is not the center of attention. In an attempt to win back favor, Unicorn dons a new fancy look, covers everyone in glitter, and throws flaming birthday cakes into a crowded soccer game. He is told to go home, leaving Unicorn to doubt himself and his friendships. Shea never fails to deliver and the follow-up to Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great does not disappoint. Unicorn and Goat's classmates include some familiar Shea characters, including Dinosaur and Ballet Cat, along with a humorous ice cream cone and piece of toast. Much like Unicorn, the illustrations dazzle and excite, and the text is hilarious and packed with rich vocabulary for young readers. Text and images in the margins and background are equally as engaging and funny, inviting readers to revisit the pages again and again for small details one might have missed. While Unicorn is home and depressed following his failed attempts at gaining positive attention, the pages take on a darker tone. His eyes become bloodshot and he wears a bathrobe, another example of subtle details that are among Shea's strengths. Eventually, the pages return to a cheerful palette of pastels and sparkles once readers reach the happy ending complete with a valuable lesson about friendship. VERDICT A sensational choice for any collection and a welcome addition for Shea's many fans.—Kaitlin Malixi, Kensington Health Sciences Academy, Philadelphia - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.