Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2025 Gr 2–5—Jules Verne is the king of the adventure book, and this series repackages his greatest tales (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 Days) with some of his lesser-known works (From Earth to the Moon). Each is a pitch-perfect mixture of story and art. They veer more closely to graphic novels than picture books, and the illustrations are the star of the show. Almost mechanical collages and cartoons stack together in engrossing textures and patterns. The art alone is worth checking out, so clever and engaging that it drives the desire to read more. The text itself is summarized in a way that maintains interest. Papatheodoulou hits all the plot points of the novels but impresses with tightly condensed action that loses none of the momentum. The books feel playful in package and delivery, taking these out of an intimidating "classic canon" and into the realm of children's adventures. VERDICT An artistically rich take on evergreen adventures. - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.