Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 06/02/2025 Calling on the concept of the banana phone and hewing closely to the prose stylings of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Sterer (Treehouse Town) asks readers to entertain the notion of a gorilla answering a call by picking up a banana receiver on the line’s other end. For the book’s human protagonist, a seeming middle child with a bowl haircut who’s apparently caught between a scowling older sibling and a busy infant, this link becomes a much-needed balm. The rung-up gorilla proves a perfect chat chum, listening attentively ("If you are calling just because, that’s ok"), appreciating the youth’s humor ("There aren’t many jokes in the jungle"), and affirming the child as a reliable companion ("By now the gorilla will probably trust you and might share a secret"). Digital illustrations from Hughes (the Charlie & Mouse series) pair Rousseau-like jungle landscapes with more sparsely detailed scenes of human home life-sometimes contrasting environments, sometimes creating comical mirror images. The story takes one more fanciful turn when the gorilla and pals pay a visit, suggesting that the best connection is about finding someone on one’s wavelength-banana or otherwise. Human characters are portrayed with pale skin and dark hair. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 10/01/2025 PreS-Gr 3—In this imaginative picture book, a child making a call on a banana phone finds themself conversing with a gorilla deep in the jungle. As the conversation unfolds, the gorilla asks questions, prompting the child to share personal details like their favorite color, sandwich, or joke. This exchange builds trust and closeness, leading to shared secrets and plans for future adventures. Sterer's writing is whimsical and engaging, fostering a sense of curiosity and openness in its exploration of communication and friendship. The narrative encourages readers to embrace individuality and not worry about outside opinions, as highlighted by the gorilla and caller knowing "the truth" despite others' disbelief. The progression of the story, from initial questions to a deep connection, is heartwarming and thoughtfully developed, making it ideal for discussions on empathy and unexpected bonds. The conversational style and the imaginative premise make it a captivating read-aloud. Illustrations bring the world to life, vividly portraying the gorilla's inquisitive nature and the child's responses, culminating in the delightful scene of jungle animals arriving at the child's house. Hand-lettering further enhances the book's unique charms. The visuals consistently support the story's themes of connection and the joy found in unexpected places. VERDICT This is a delightful and highly recommended picture book that celebrates imagination, communication, and the power of forming new friendships. It supports social-emotional learning by encouraging openness, curiosity, and embracing serendipitous connections—ideal for school libraries.—Richard Winters - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2025 *Starred Review* Riffing on the causational classic about a mouse and a cookie, this creative exploration of using a banana as a telephone shows how a silly act of imagination opens up a child’s world. Whether perched on the kitchen counter, draped over a chair, or soaking in the tub, it’s always a good time to pick up a banana phone. Fair warning, though: “If you make a call on a banana phone, somewhere deep in the jungle . . . a gorilla will probably answer. And if they do, they will have some questions.” The gently instructive text is exceedingly kind and open, suggesting one be a good listener and offering prompts one might employ in the early stages of exploring a new friendship. Charming pencil and Photoshop illustrations alternate between the callers, each in their natural habitats—the earnest child sporting a bowl cut at home, surrounded by the casual detritus of childhood, and the gorilla lounging and howling with laughter while tucked in lush jungle scenes. This isn’t the illustrator’s first foray into banana antics; if the premise tickles your reader, you might chase this with a bedtime banana, à la her Charlie & Mouse (2017), by Laurel Snyder, and then progress to phoning a fairy godmother like in Dory Fantasmagory (2014), by Abby Hanlon. Fill up your fruit baskets, folks—this one’s a bunch of fun! - Copyright 2025 Booklist.