Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2026 Gr 1–3—A playful story accompanied by fun facts about camping safety. Bea, with tan skin and brown hair, and her best friend, the cheery cardboard Box, plan to visit a giant redwood tree until Bea reveals that they must venture into the wilderness to do it. Box is afraid of a lot of things: bugs, bears, wildfires, and most of all, Bigfoot. Bea and neighbor Mrs. Gomez assure Box that everything will be fine; a trip to the library later, the two friends have boned up on camping knowledge and are ready to go. During a hike through the woods, Bea's mother twists her ankle in an area with no phone reception. It's Bea and Box to the rescue as they secure their surroundings and blast whistles for help. The conversations between Bea and Box are cheerful and often frenetic, making for a fast-paced story with transitional reader appeal. Back matter includes a "scat-venger hunt," where readers can identify different animal droppings. VERDICT Intermediate readers will grab this one for multiple reads. A recommended first purchase.—Rosemary Kiladitis - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.