Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 11/11/2024 While her cases may not be as mysterious as Nancy Drew’s or as challenging as Encyclopedia Brown’s, debut creator Healy’s ebullient would-be investigator Casey-depicted as a pale-skinned, triangle-shaped 11-year-old with brown pigtails and a red dress-is a welcome addition to the cadre of juvenile sleuths. On her birthday, Casey receives a magnifying glass and binoculars (necessities for a detective), as well as underwear (embarrassing), thus solving this pleasant early reader’s inaugural mystery: the Case of the Wrapped Presents. She uses her new binoculars to get the scoop on tan-skinned Jan, a tie-wearing new girl with an aptitude for science; the two become fast Bert and Ernie-esque friends. Casey joyfully approaches each new scenario, including kickball tryouts, decoding a note (that’s not a love letter) from her crush, and determining the gender of fat cat Mr. Muffin. Uncomplicated paneling and crisp line drawings punctuated by eye-catchingly bright hues encourage readers to join Casey as she endeavors to crack the case in this inviting series starter. Entertaining supporting characters-each rendered using simple shapes and a variety of skin tones-and their side stories inject goofy humor. Ages 7-10. Agent: Hannah Mann, Writers House. (Feb.) - Copyright 2024

School Library Journal - 02/01/2025 Gr 2–5—Casey, 11, wants to be a detective, and she seizes every opportunity, no matter how small, to investigate cases in this charming and comedic debut. Inked art, digitally colored in a muted palette, creates focus on the characters, who are highlighted in portraits before the story begins. The scene opens with Casey waking up to her birthday and excitement sets in. A full-page panel fills with Casey's triangular head, pigtails up, and hands in the air. She exclaims, "It's the case of the wrapped presents," and proceeds to evaluate, by shape, what each one is. A magnifying glass and binoculars accompany her throughout more cases, such as the missing hair band, AJ's love note, and the lost cat. The story arc revolves around Casey's biggest case, the mysterious new girl, who starts school on Casey's birthday. Jan, the new girl, wants to be a scientist and helps Casey with her detective work; their friendship is sweet and their rapport in ridiculous situations is riotous. Clean panels establish a smooth transition and space for playful language and emotional growth to feel natural. Lean, beautifully drawn art, paired with dialogue that is easy to follow, makes this an excellent option for young readers building literacy skills. The letters are hand drawn by the author and easy to read, adding to the notion that this is Casey's notebook of detective musings. The art stretches to almost fantastical, and most individuals have triangular shaped heads and dainty feet, with skin tones from light to dark. VERDICT Fun and irreverent mysteries with relatable humor fill this charmer that highlights the value of friendship and being yourself. Highly recommended.—Rachel Zuffa - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.