Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2025 PreS-Gr 2—Four ducks are ready for fun in a lake full of monsters—though only one of them seems to know it! When a duck hesitates to join the others, asking, "But what about the monster?" the friends insist there's nothing to worry about. Each spread offers a clever above-and-below-the-water view, building suspense as fish and frogs give way to something bigger. Just as the ducks confidently declare "TRUST US," a huge monster appears; one duck is pulled underwater, only to return and claim again that there's no such thing as a monster. Whether this is denial or a misunderstanding is never fully explained. A silly tone and expressive illustrations bring energy to the pages, but the unclear resolution leaves readers guessing. VERDICT A visually engaging story with playful elements, but the confusing message and weak plot make it a lower priority for library collections.—Kirsten Caldwell - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Other - 06/02/2025 Eric, a cautious mallard, resists joining three duck friends for a lake paddle. The bird has heard there’s a monster lurking in the waters, and he hangs back even when the pals offer blithe reassurance-"Trust us!" But readers, who can see both above and below the lake’s waterline, will note that the murky, bubbly green depths-rendered in a m?lange of acrylic paint and aerosol spray-indeed reveal a large bona fide monster with horns, yellow stalk eyes, and a heap of big white teeth. Is Eric a sitting duck? Hardly: The nattily accessorized behemoth tips a red top hat to Eric and escorts the bird deep beneath the surface to a city flourishing on the lake bed. In a spectacular double gatefold, Timmers (Bear’s Lost Glasses) reveals this hopping metropolis with his signature maximalist flair-it’s bursting with monsters of every shape, color, fashion sense, and eyeball count. Eric takes to the setting like, well, a duck to water, and when he surfaces, he’s a considerably more confident bird. Children who get their hands on this oversize, glossy delight, filled with made-to-linger details, will be lucky ducks indeed. Ages 4-6. (Sept.) - Copyright 2025

Booklist - 09/01/2025 *Starred Review* When Eric the mallard’s three duck pals suggest a swim in the lake, Eric can’t help but worry about its rumored monster. “That’s just a story, Eric,” his friends assure him. “There’s no monster in the lake. Just boring old fish and frogs.” So, into the lake they go. But readers can see what the ducks do not—those boring fish and frogs look terrified as they swim away from something. Dipping his head underwater, Eric comes beak to snout with a green, submarine-sized creature. Eric bursts to the surface with a cry of “MONSTER!” only to be dismissed by his buddies, who swim on, oblivious. However, the monster proves a nice, dapper fellow—sporting a top hat, several bows, a pocket watch, and an umbrella—who jovially invites Eric to accompany him below the water. A double gatefold showcases the monster’s colorful city composed of vibrant human artifacts: green glass bottles, footballs, a traffic light, a car, and a sunken ship inhabited by numerous colorful, happy monsters. Meanwhile, the three duck friends remain afloat, clueless to the rich world below the water’s surface. The bright artwork, created with acrylic paint and spray paint, contains whimsical details and makes great use of visual humor. With sparse text and large-scale illustrations, this is an ideal choice for toddlers and preschool storytimes that is clever enough to entertain adults, too. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.