Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2023 PreS-Gr 1—Mayer's new book is an ode to the journey of friendship, including the bumps, bruises, and bandages acquired along the way. Squash is an adorable squash-shaped orange cat readers will love. Maggie is a warmhearted, fun-loving child who adores her best-friend-cat. They are perfect together, until tragedy strikes, and Squash destroys Maggie's new gift. There are times that feelings are so big, children do not know how to deal with them. Mayer beautifully illustrates one coping strategy: giving each other time. This is a great lesson to learn and is presented in a fun, clever, child-friendly way. Mayer's illustrations perfectly depict the range of emotions faced by Maggie and Squash. VERDICT Worth the purchase to have on hand for families needing materials depicting lessons on friendship and those who just love a gratifying story about two best friends.—Cassie Veselovsky - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.