Bound To Stay Bound

Publishers Weekly - 01/12/2026 Though "everyone is out and about" in a puddle-dotted emerald green meadow that bursts with wildflowers, Bear remains decidedly asnooze in this amiable picture book. As creatures frolic through the newly fine weather, Bird longs to sing for the sleeping ursine, Rabbit to hop on his belly, and Squirrel to race down his back. When the small creatures determine to intrude upon his cave, Chipmunk warns that "Bear can be VERY grouchy if he doesn’t get enough sleep," but the animals venture inside anyway. The palette immediately transforms into deep, moody blues that immerse readers in a dark, cool snugness, and the small interlopers perch adorably on Bear’s side ("His ribs go up and down. The friends go up and down"). Seemingly unconcerned about matters of consent, the enthusiastic critters make changes to the hibernator’s home, building a nest "while we’re waiting," throwing open the cave curtains, and giving "drab and dull" Bear a berry and pollen pedicure. Stein (Don’t Worry, Murray) renders acrylic gouache illustrations in high-contrast, saturated colors that don’t quite stay within their lines, evoking both vintage screen-printing and the buzzy energy of the animals’ mischievous excitement. Resemblances to youngsters plotting to wake a sleeping grown-up on weekend mornings are surely coincidental. Ages 4-8. Author’s agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Mar.) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2026 *Starred Review* Spring has sprung, but a burly, hibernating bear still snoozes. His little woodland pals are eager for him to wake up and play with them: “‘I can’t wait to hop on his belly!’ says Rabbit. ‘I can’t wait to race down his back,’ says Squirrel.” Although the sprightly friends are well aware that Bear can be “VERY grouchy” if he doesn’t get enough of his beauty sleep, they take their chances and poke around his cave doing some spring cleaning. Superbly paced, the spare text delivers comical and dramatic moments aplenty. Bear’s stupendous, dust-induced sneeze causes the animals to scatter, but the groggy, growling big fella falls right back to sleep. Bear’s peepers stay shut amid the hullabaloo, including a funny surprise makeover, complete with a multicolored pedicure, and a bird’s nest built “right on his forehead where it’s warm.” Tension builds as everyone wonders when the sleepyhead will finally awaken from his deep slumber and what mood he will be in. Through clever use of color and movement, Caldecott Honor Book creator Stein’s endearing acrylic, gouache, and photocopied illustrations capture the distinct atmospheres of the changing seasons, from shadowy nighttime and wintry blues to sunny yellows and verdant springtime greens. A rousing storytime standout. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/20/2026 PreS-Gr 2—While Bear sleeps in his den, the rest of the woodland creatures are awake, joyfully celebrating the arrival of spring. Unsure how to wake Bear, given his reputation for being a grump, the animals initially tiptoe around him. Inside the den, however, the air is stale and gloomy. Rabbit opens the curtains, Bird builds a nest on Bear's head, Squirrel brings in flowers to freshen the space, and Chipmunk paints Bear's nails with pollen and berries in an effort to spruce him up. The combined smells, sounds, touching, and tickling finally rouse Bear with a growl. He is startled by the transformed state of his den and his nails, but pleasantly surprised to discover that spring has arrived after all. The illustrations, created using acrylic, gouache, and digital techniques, are warm and appealing. Cool blue and green backgrounds contrast with brighter colors that bring the characters and scenery to life. Short, simple sentences on most pages make this an excellent choice for repeated read-alouds, while Bear's expressive face and his friends' antics are sure to elicit giggles. VERDICT A charming springtime story that will delight young listeners. Pair with stories by Karma Wilson for fans of gentle humor and bear protagonists.—Tracy Cronce - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.