Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/01/2019 PreS-K-When spring comes, Badger plants a meticulously planned out garden with the seeds he collected the previous summer, and with some help from Red Squirrel, Weasel, and Dormouse. The group celebrates their labors with some muffins and mulberry juice, but the next days bring severe rains that wash away their hard work. Badger's friends comfort him, promising other opportunities for gathering seeds, but Badger is devastated. One summer day, the little animals rush into Badger's house to bring him the happy news—"[his] seeds found a new place to grow!" Badger comes to terms with this new mixed-up garden and the friends have another fete. Kaulitzki's illustrations radiate coziness and peace with their earth-toned meadow, softly illuminated sky, and depiction of gentle breezes, while small pops of bright colors in little details add cheerful fun, such as with Badger's yellow gloves or Weasel's pink hat. Even the devastating gale is made less scary by the light spilling from Badger's house and his bright red inside-out umbrella. The cartoon protagonists are appealing in their friendly roundness and nearly pettable fur. VERDICT A sedate story with a hopeful message about embracing the imperfect and unpredictable outcomes, well-suited to gardening displays and storytimes.-Yelena Voysey, formerly at Pickering Educational Library, Boston University - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.