Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 11/01/2022 In this playful picture book, two poodles invite a new pup (a pug and beagle mix) to play Busy Bee. They cannot help but notice his unusual breed mix and repeatedly ask, What are you? Being a dog just like the poodles, the pup is perplexed by their question. When he finally understands and explains that he's a puggle, the poodles make assumptions about some of his abilities and characteristics. But the puggle challenges their ideas about him and his breeds, asking them to reflect on their own favorite things to do—Are you good at those things because you are poodles? he asks. Curato's cartoonish dogs in soft colors give an inviting look to this story about a conversation that will be all too familiar to many kids, and the final pages, showing a trio of children having a similar conversation, drive that point home. A discussion guide closes out the book, providing caregivers with some advice for facilitating conversations about interracial identities and stereotypes with young children. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 12/01/2022 PreS-Gr 2—Two poodles question another dog's breed, which is puggle: half pug, half beagle. Once the breed is identified, the poodles make broad stereotypes about the pup. For instance, all pugs are good at hula-hooping, and all beagles are good at pogo sticks. The puggle explains that what the puggle likes and does is based on individual preference, not a "breed." In essence, this story boils down complicated stereotypes about race, culture, and gender into a simple allegory for young readers. Back matter includes discussion questions written by a child psychologist to help adults guide conversations about stereotypes. Curato brings mastery to the discussion, with expressive and colorful artwork that elevates the discussion and lifts the allegory further. The book's warm pastel palette is welcoming. VERDICT A must-have for any public or school library collection.—Chance Lee Joyner - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 11/01/2022 In this playful picture book, two poodles invite a new pup (a pug and beagle mix) to play Busy Bee. They cannot help but notice his unusual breed mix and repeatedly ask, What are you? Being a dog just like the poodles, the pup is perplexed by their question. When he finally understands and explains that he's a puggle, the poodles make assumptions about some of his abilities and characteristics. But the puggle challenges their ideas about him and his breeds, asking them to reflect on their own favorite things to do—Are you good at those things because you are poodles? he asks. Curato's cartoonish dogs in soft colors give an inviting look to this story about a conversation that will be all too familiar to many kids, and the final pages, showing a trio of children having a similar conversation, drive that point home. A discussion guide closes out the book, providing caregivers with some advice for facilitating conversations about interracial identities and stereotypes with young children. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.