Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/01/2025 *Starred Review* It’s spring on the Great Plains, and a mighty bison herd thunders across the expanse, mowing down piles of plants. All of that grass-gobbling results in one inevitable conclusion: bison poo! That might seem like the story's end, but it’s actually just the start. “Don’t mind if I do!” a dung beetle happily declares, diving headfirst into their favorite foodstuff. Some eat the poop, some burrow beneath it, and others cart away bits for later use. Flies find it the perfect place to lay their eggs, while other critters feast on an easy insect meal. Seeds sprout, creatures hatch, and clever burrowing owls even snatch some poo to use as bait for tasty beetles. By the time the next spring rolls round, the poop pile is nearly unrecognizable, having played host to an unfathomable amount of life, and a new baby bison on the horizon promises that the cycle will begin anew. This incredibly amusing addition to the Tiny Habitats series is a treasure, turning a seemingly silly subject into a thoughtful study of a vital ecosystem. Charming illustrations are as informative as they are appealing, and frequent funny asides will have readers laughing out loud. Helpful back matter adds context and options for additional reading. A spectacular snapshot of a truly special—if slightly smelly—small world. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.