Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/16/2022 K-Gr 2—Looking more like Raggedy Ann or Andy's boon companion than a real child, Napoleoni's lead is a winsome fellow who, despite his fierce-sounding name, has benign night adventures with a cast that includes fellow human Unicorngirl, a sloth named Simon, Darwin the bearlike yak (perhaps), and Drako, kind of a dragon, as well as Yellow Kitty. Tented out for the night, these children, pet, and stuffies embrace the evening, and anxious children reading along will find that little fears and big ones are put to the test and to rest with the collective reassurance of the group, as each member takes a turn at worry or resolve. Fox cubs, fireflies, owls that hoot from a branch up high—all make an appearance. Unicorngirl is reluctant to let her firefly go, but the omniscient narrator reminds readers that creatures like to be with their groups. As dawn arrives, the sleepy crew returns to the tent, pretty excited about what the new day will bring. The narration covers the group's activities but often breaks the fourth wall to invite participation and remind children of good behavior or how to collaborate. VERDICT Overnights, library lock-ins, sleepovers, first camp-outs, or just backyard visits will be enhanced by this warm embrace of navy overhead skies and good friends.—Kimberly Olson Fakih - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.