Bound To Stay Bound

Publishers Weekly - 02/09/2026 In a playfully rhyming picture book, Ferry (The Peddler of Puddles) and Kang (I Worked Hard on That!) create a fanciful realm populated with hometown heroes who sport fabulously flowing manes in assorted colors. While residents including gnomes, pixies, sprites, and trolls go about their days, unicorns lean into community engagement, filling critical civic and business roles from mail carrier to ballet teacher, florist, public works employee, first responder, farmer, and, of course, hairdresser. "We’re unicorns in uniforms!/ We know just what to do," proclaim these prancing pillars of daily life; "We’re hoofed and horned and well-informed/ and ready to help you!" When a dragon ignites a raging fire, the unicorns abandon their specialized roles to unite as one superhero-suit-clad firefighting force that vanquishes the threat and earns a fabulous gratitude parade. Though the village’s other inhabitants seem remarkably content to let their horned neighbors handle practically everything, lively artwork depicts the arrangement as a candy-colored civic partnership. Ages 4-8. Agent (for Ferry and Kang): Elena Giovinazzo, Heirloom Literary. (May) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.

School Library Journal - 05/15/2026 PreS-Gr 3—A vibrant, whimsical look at a magical forest where unicorns take on every imaginable community role. Written in rhyming text and paired with soft pastel illustrations, this book highlights themes of cooperation, service, and collective responsibility. From hairdressers and ballet teachers to mail carriers and florists, these "hoofed and horned and well-informed" helpers demonstrate that no job is too small when it comes to supporting a community. While the rhymes are often playful and engaging, the meter is inconsistent at times. Words embedded in illustrations—such as those in speech bubbles—sometimes are necessary to maintain rhythm and at other times interrupt the flow, which may create minor challenges for first-time readers, particularly in read-aloud settings. Kang's illustrations are a highlight, adding depth, humor, and visual richness. Detailed scenes reward close attention and expand the narrative beyond the text, though some elements—like a narwhal (a real creature) depicted as a "water unicorn"—may briefly confuse readers. Subtle representational choices, such as two unicorns with locs portrayed with stereotypical jobs, may also momentarily disrupt immersion. With the strong conversation about community and working together, though, the other magical creatures didn't seem to be part of this work. Despite these issues, the book delivers a clear, positive message about teamwork and helping others. VERDICT Visually appealing, this has a strong message about teamwork and helping others, with occasional wonky rhyme and meter.—Jacob Demlow - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2026 Ferry’s latest picture book introduces community helpers as enthusiastic unicorns. Ballet teachers, roadworkers, bakers, hairdressers, farmers, tailors, and more are are represented, each with an illustration and a brief statement about their job. The mail carrier is shown delivering a letter, a movie-theater employee pops corn for patrons, a doctor helps an ailing patient. When a terrible dragon storm and a fire require the unicorns to help the gnomes and fairies, they don matching uniforms and together bring calm and safety to their home. The unicorns appear with fur of different colors and sport colorful hairdos. The rhyming text will entertain children while they witness a diverse community function harmoniously. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.