Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2023 PreS-Gr 2—While the creatures within this beguiling book would like readers to "Behold the terror!" most readers will find that "hold back the laughs" is more befitting. Readers are warned, encouraged to think of happy thoughts, anything but to continue through this title of (tongue firmly planted in cheek) chills and thrills. But, of course, readers will be turning the pages and read-aloud audiences will be calling out to continue as an adorable white kitten, two cute puppies, some chicks, and more try to be scary. When they can't scare "you," the reader, on face value, they don costumes and try again. The scariest "ghost of a bloodthirsty duckling" covered in a flowered sheet will not scare anyone, but it will have readers laughing. The illustrations and text work together seamlessly, creating a masterful story hour experience that will be enjoyed over and over. VERDICT A funny, perfectly childlike conceit explored to its full capacity for chuckles.—John Scott - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/23/2023 Promising a “creepy and spine-tingling” tale, a mysterious narrator suggests the less-brave might prefer something “about rainbows or friendly unicorns.” For the undeterred, a dark, eerie house awaits. Inside, a door slowly opens, lightning flashes, and a shadow looms. After reminding readers again that they could still choose lighter fare, the shadow’s identity is unveiled: a pink-pawed, white-furred kitten! But when its attempts to terrify don’t work (“Hey, quit laughing”), kitten enlists its animal pals, though even with homemade signs and costumes, the “Vampire Puppy” and “Spooky Baby Goat” appear more friendly than fearsome. The story takes another turn when the animals themselves get scared, but a page turn reveals a cheerful girl ushering the animal friends to bath and bedtime, though perhaps not everyone’s ready to sleep just yet. Messner’s lively text is humorously offset and extended in Haley’s vibrant cartoon illustrations, especially the expressive animals’ antics. The story’s blend of suspense and playfulness will likely keep pages turning. A good choice for fans of the classic The Monster at the End of This Book. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.