Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/01/2014 This attractive book offers crowded yet pleasing scenes in which dressed animals engage in everyday human activities. The large-format volume is divided into three sections, originally published as separate titles in Germany. Each shows a single location at seven different times of day, indicated by a clock in one corner. In each section, the first page introduces the characters, small figures identified by their names and sometimes grouped into families. The next page introduces the location (town, farm, or dockside scene) that is reproduced on the seven broad double-page spreads that follow. A few questions prompt kids to search for certain characters, such as Benny Badger, a petty thief appearing in every scene. Reminiscent of Richard Scarry’s Busytown books, Martin Handford’s Where’s Waldo? series, and Jean Marzollo’s I Spy series, the book will captivate the same audience with its inviting, intricate illustrations, which appear to be digital collages. A treasure trove for kids who love a visual challenge. - Copyright 2014 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2014 PreS-Gr 1—When reading this German import, one can't help but notice the similarity in style to the classic books by Richard Scarry. In each of the three sections, children can search for pesky Benny Badger. There is no specific plot or story line. Rather, the overarching theme is time as depicted by the clock at the top of each verso. Older readers can observe and compare what happens in the various sections at 6:00 am, 9:00 am, noon, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 9:00 pm. Under the clocks are questions such as "What is Bailey Bear doing?" Children find the answers by studying the page of labeled characters before each section, scrutinizing the spread, and creating their own stories. Cartoonlike artwork attempts to create interest for those who relish the Waldo-type "seek and find" books. However, these animal characters lack charming or endearing qualities, and the book does not blaze any new trails. Strictly supplementary.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.