Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2025 *Starred Review* Opening with a simple mantra—“Knit one, purl one”—this book invites readers into the life of a little mouse family living in a knitted home. But alas, the home unravels, and the mice must find a new place to live, darting away from a monstrous creature breathing fibrous fire at them. A taut string of red yarn leads the mouse family of five on a dangerous journey, crossing through woods and water, enduring hardships not unlike those of immigrant and refugee life. They finally reach a possible destination and, with local help, work to construct a new home with pieces of the old one interwoven. Incredibly clever illustrations frame out plainly written yet heavy-hitting text detailing the journey. The illustrator uses real knitting needles and yarn mixed with colored-pencil drawings to convey the transition from one home to another and how pieces of our old homes stay with us and guide us. The text does not take the backseat though, often revealing the strugglesome truth of leaving a home, if one must, while dreaming of not having to endure the hardships. There's a hopeful ending for all though, as the family finds somewhere to be themselves and craft community and security once more. A solid introspection and thoughtful metaphor, great for introducing young readers to the concept of immigration or supplementing older readers' interest in the topic. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.