Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 08/01/2024 A companion to 2023's German import Genius Noses, this quaintly illustrated picture book about exotic animals with unique ears looks like a dusty tome that might be discovered in an old bookshop. The book is especially visually appealing. Detailed ink-and-colored-pencil artwork in muted earth tones covers two-page spreads, with large, detailed illustrations of featured critters facing pages filled with accessible blocks of text, plus three or four additional drawings showing the subjects in action. The illustrations also extend to the endpapers, offering maps and diagrams. The narrative concentrates on how particular ear features (shape, size, location) help each animal survive and communicate, offering basic facts and trivia bits that should resonate with young readers (lots of references to types of noises, such as chirping, coughing, bleating, and barking; insider details on how the young communicate with their mothers). The detailed glossary, unusual creatures, and source and chapter notes will be of interest to report writers. A worthy addition for most animal-book collections. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.