Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 02/24/2025 Crull spotlights South African anti-poaching unit the Black Mambas in this documentary-style picture book. First-person-plural narration evenhandedly presents the perspective of poachers before delving into the Black Mambas’ mission-driven work on a nature reserve ("We say to the animals... We are your mothers, your aunties, and your sisters"). Within the frame of the Black Mambas’ daily schedule-from morning workouts to twice-a-day patrols-interactive pages invite readers to plan a patrol route and match animals to their tracks. Sidebars and quotes from individual Black Mambas help provide a complete picture of ranger work, while photo collages depict the women protecting wildlife. The result is an earnest, enthusiastic tribute to the world’s first all-woman anti-poaching unit. A pronunciation guide and author’s note conclude. Ages 6-10. (Apr.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 04/01/2025 Gr 2–5—Crull (Making Art from Ocean Plastic) returns with another environmentally focused book. Informational text showcases the work of the Black Mambas, the world's first all-woman anti-poaching unit. First-person narration follows the day-to-day life of these women rangers, highlighting what led them to this career path and the dangerous but important work they're doing to conserve South African wildlife. The text is accessible, presenting kids with not only insight into why these women decided to enter a traditionally male-dominated field, but also survival tips (humans can survive in icy water for three minutes and without food for three weeks), the types of endangered animals they're protecting (elephants, rhinos, and pangolins, the world's only scaled mammal), and how they track poachers. Quotations from different rangers sprinkled throughout lends a feel of immediacy and relevance and will draw readers in. The photographs are dynamic, depicting the strong and dedicated Black women in action and the majestic creatures they care for. The energy, passion, and effort of this unit is made obvious through these images and will inspire readers to look around their own surroundings for ways to care for neighboring wildlife. Graphs, diagrams, and box inserts add even more interest, and back matter includes books and websites for further reading, a pictorial glossary of the animals featured, and the NATO Phonetic Alphabet. VERDICT A fascinating, kid-friendly title on wildlife conservation that will captivate and empower elementary school readers.—Shelley M. Diaz - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2025 *Starred Review* Black Mambas are not only Africa’s most-feared venomous snakes but the apt name for the first women park rangers in South Africa and the first women-led anti-poaching unit in the world. Author and photographer Crull takes readers to the thick of the rangers' work in the Olifants West Nature Reserve, situated in the Greater Kruger National Park. Opening headshots of 20 rangers immediately humanize each of the women and serve as an identification guide for the book. In a few simple sentences per page, Crull describes how many of the rangers, despite living in villages around the preserve, had never actually seen its animals; how they practice rigorous survival skills; why poaching occurs; and how the rangers educate future generations. The most exhilarating parts of the book, however, follow the Black Mambas on patrol as they observe wildlife up close, search the bush for snares, look for signs of poachers, and even plan and carry out a poacher ambush—all without guns. Documenting these courageous accomplishments are thrilling, large-scale photographs of the Black Mambas in action and the animals they serve to protect. Interspersed ranger quotes, informational sidebars, related activities, and an introduction to Sepedi (the language used by the rangers) offer readers additional opportunities for engagement. A joyful tribute to these dauntless women. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.