Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 09/01/2023 Cha’s wonderful Halloween story opens in Seoul, Korea, where a pair of super-cute dokkaebi are learning the tricks of their trade. Though twins, the brothers are exact opposites. Doki loves reading and secretly performing acts of kindness. Kebi, on the other hand is happiest when exploring or playing tricks on people. When their home (an abandoned building) is slated for demolition, Kebi and Doki set off for a faraway land where people are rumored to enjoy visiting haunted houses and being scared—New York City! Kim’s digital illustrations are adorable, vibrant, and just spooky enough for any haunted storytime. She mixes spot art with full- and double-page spreads that are particularly adept at showing contrasts between Seoul and NYC. As the brothers adapt to their new home just in time for Halloween, they’re in for some surprises of their own. A helpful author’s note explains the prominence of dokkaebi in Korean mythology, art, and history as well as their dual nature, so perfectly embodied by the twins. A great, not-so-scary pick for little listeners. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/01/2023 K-Gr 2—At 601 years old, Doki and Kebi are considered babies to the other dokkaebi, a cross between a goblin and spirit with a penchant for tricking humans. Despite the fact that they are twins, the pair could not be more different. For instance, Doki is averse to frightening people, much preferring to give them gifts of gold or silver and enjoy his three abandoned books. Kebi, meanwhile, arguably adores frightening people a bit too much. After learning that they must leave their home, Kebi resists moving into graveyards with their fellow dokkaebi and insists that they find the most haunted house in New York City. They leave Seoul, searching high and low for the perfect home and eventually find a dwelling that is perfectly suited to both of their tastes. Then they prepare for Halloween. The story's comical conclusion is a frightful delight as the duo participate in the holiday. Cha's writing is excellently paced and entertaining, while the digital illustrations are filled with bright colors and bring the charming characters to life. A concluding author's note describes the prominence of dokkaebi in Korean art, history, and folklore, dating back to 37 BCE. VERDICT. Doki and Kebi will find a home in any collection. Recommended for purchase.—Olivia Gorecke - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.