Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2026 PreS-Gr 3—It's Monday morning, but Monster refuses to walk to school. His encouraging feathered friend, Bird, reminds him that it's Pancake Day. "Will there be pepperoni on those pancakes? Pineapple? Double cheese? Maple syrup on the side?" The promise of his favorite fluffy cakes provides the shaggy gray monster with just enough motivation to fumble through his morning routine. However, Monster remains resolute: "I told you already—I will not WALK to school today." While stories depicting characters reluctant to go to school risk predictability, Hrab and Collier break all conventions, serving up an exceptional, quirky addition to the burgeoning school story genre. Told mostly in humorous vignettes, this dialogue-driven story follows Monster and Bird on their romp to school, arriving through a combination of eccentric movements: hops, ginormous jumps, skips at lightning speed, and eventually by scooter. A smattering of silly conversation transpires, diverting Monster, Bird, and readers from what could have otherwise been a routine commute to school. Collier's dynamic, digitally rendered illustrations walk in step with the comical dialogue between Monster and Bird, incorporating playful visual details, such as the silent character, Captain Donut Face, Monster's treasured lovey. VERDICT In this giggle-inducing story for readers across a solid grade range, Monster's unique conundrum offers an amusing, unexpected adventure down a familiar path.—Emily Brush - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.