Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2026 PreS-Gr 1—In this spooky adaptation of the classic song "The Wheels on the Bus," bats sway from the ceiling of a haunted, orange-and-red bus with staring eyes and fangs. However, bats are not the only passengers riding the bus, as waves of uncanny characters climb aboard with each new refrain. Magoon's digitally drawn illustrations are dim, setting an ominous tone, but hum with vibrant color; each spread introduces new ghoulish passengers who carry on a unique, dramatic color palette. For instance, when the witches arrive, they're enveloped in vibrant ochre and teal, while the vampires are bathed in radiant candy apple red. Observant readers may notice subtle details hidden in plain sight, such as the mysterious, long-haired bus driver swapping their headwear to coordinate with the frightening features of new passengers. When the cats arrive, the driver wears a pair of black cat ears, but when the monsters board, the ears are swapped for horns. This Halloween version of "The Wheels on the Bus" may summon memories of Sarah Kieley's The Wheels on the Bus at Halloween; however, Jackson and Magoon's haunted bus emanates eerier depth and its passengers may not be quite as creepy as they seem. VERDICT A ghostly, familiar variation of "The Wheels on the Bus," but memorable for its command of color and delivering slightly more fright.—Emily Brush - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.