Bound To Stay Bound

Publishers Weekly - 06/08/2026 Patterned after Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Raven," Anyong’s entertaining debut, a series kickoff illustrated by Quarles, features a crotchety ghost longing for the good old days of haunting and tricks, before Halloween became all about "CANDY! CANDY! CANDY!" When slamming shutters and rattling chains don’t frighten trick-or-treaters, portrayed with various abilities and skin tones, the ghost-planning to "scare the pants off their pajamas!"-powers up a grand contraption, the Super Scare 5000, and accidentally plunges the neighborhood into darkness. Putting a brighter idea into play, the ghost dazzles as the power returns, making "Lamp-lights blaze, boldly streaming." Rhyming text slowly illuminates the holiday’s neighborly spirit, and digital art with chalklike textures captures a true haunted house vibe, replete with shadowy hallways, dusty jewel-toned curtains, and "Earl Ghoul" tea bags. Saturday morning cartoon vibes permeate this spirited shift from mournful to motivated and more. Ages 4-8. (July) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.