Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/16/2024 Toddler-PreS—In both English and Spanish editions, Bookie and Cookie are good friends who live in different apartments, where one enjoys reading, while the other one is fond of baking and cooking. They always spend time together at Cookie's place, shown on the righthand page. Bookie is tired of going there when they should also be hanging out together at Bookie's place, on the left. After a brief conflict, they learn about the power of friendship and reaching consensus, all with warm baked goods. Gómez's trademark illustrations and meta-textual narrative depict the individual personalities and apartments, as well as the connection between the two main characters. The book encourages readers to try new things, reflect before making decisions, and expand beyond their comfort zones sometimes—even outside the pages of the book. The bold illustrations with white backgrounds and its minimal text make this a good pick for beginning readers and an excellent read-aloud for toddler storytimes. VERDICT These characters will charm kids in both languages; a good purchase for picture book collections.—Sujei Lugo - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2024 Bookie and Cookie, two little fellows with large, spherical heads, are best friends. They enjoy being together, but they don’t agree on everything. Bookie’s home has lots of books, while Cookie’s home is well stocked with cookies. Bookie always goes to Cookie’s place, but Cookie won’t go to Bookie’s place—no matter how many times he’s invited. Each prefers his own home, but neither is as happy alone; now, each is angry with the other. Bookie decides to bake cookies. How can Cookie resist? When Bookie invites Cookie over, he graciously accepts. The friendship is mended and both are happy, as they are always together now, in one home or the other. Each double-page spread is divided in order to show both character’s homes, side by side. Bookie’s rooms appear on the left, while Cookie’s are on the right. The text tells the characters’ stories, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the uncluttered, engaging illustrations. Created with paper collages and digital elements, they clearly depict the characters tastes and emotional states. An inviting, original picture book. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.