Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2024 With rhyming text and charming illustrations, this woodland mystery offers an engaging introduction to animal collective nouns. A “mischief of mice” has been having fun among autumn leaves, but when the mice disappear, a “scurry of squirrels” wants to find out why, because, they worry, “we could be next!” Searching the area, the squirrels encounter foxes, spiders, and more, but no one else seems to know where the mice have gone. As the moon rises and it gets colder, the squirrels suspect even more forest denizens, such as the “cauldron of bats.” Eventually, a passing “sleuth of bears” brings deft detective work and a reassuring discovery. Vibrant prose and pacing enhance the suspenseful and shivery—though not too scary—elements, while earth-toned watercolors depict the animals in the late-fall woodland setting in varying perspectives, with lots of details for little ones to notice. While some vocabulary might need extra explanation for younger ones, collective animals nouns are a perennially popular topic, and the mystery angle is a refreshing take. Back matter reiterates the 12 highlighted collective nouns and includes additional facts for each animal. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.