Bound To Stay Bound

Publishers Weekly - 02/09/2026 In a classroom presentation turned picture book from Tabor (Cranky, Crabby Crow), one creative storyteller-a pale-skinned student ID’d by their notebook as "Corey Tabor"-delivers a subversively comedic report on living for one day as a bear. Rather than offering facts pertaining to the natural world, though, the presenter narrates a surprisingly human-like day-in-the-life-the furry brown mammal wears pajamas and clothes, and brushes teeth for "one hundred and twenty Mississippis"-while incorporating fanciful elements such as the bear’s befriending a troublemaking mouse. Classmates interject with incredulous protests: "Bears don’t wear clothes!" But the undaunted child persists in describing an increasingly elaborate day featuring motorcycle rides, lunch at a panda-run mall restaurant, the appearance of a suit-wearing elephant, and a dramatic hot air balloon rescue. Digitally finished ursine’s-eye view artwork depicts each scenario with instructional seriousness throughout panels rendered in the creator’s signature style. And a deadpan delivery gradually transforms the skeptical spectators into enthusiastic participants; at report’s end, they demand more details, then beg for an encore "with more elephants!" It’s a read for every kid who’s turned homework into performance art-and the audience that cheers them on. Ages 4-8. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (May) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.

School Library Journal - 05/02/2026 K-Gr 2—Readers become a bear for a day in this whimsical and sly picture book. The day unspools literally from Bear's point of view. We see the sun rising through his barely open eye, only bear arms and legs and pants as he gets dressed, and bear paws on the handlebars of his motorcycle. Off-stage voices issue curious interruptions: "Bears especially don't ride motorcycles!" But Bear forges on in a quest for his best friend, Mouse, whom he rescues in the unlikeliest of ways. Only then does the view shift to show a boy with light skin and the author's name wrapping up his report about bears in front of his class. Prompted by his teacher to add a little more "information," Corey continues the yarn of his imaginary bear self right through to bedtime. The off-kilter humor and his classmates' reactions lend a comical uncertainty to what, exactly, is happening until the big reveal. Children will enjoy being in on the joke for the remaining pages. The ingenious perspectives in the illustrations of Bear's day draw readers into his experience. Created with pencil, crayon, watercolors, and markers, the pictures depict a pastel, uncluttered world. Collages of sticky notes and sketches amplify the fun at the front and back of the book. VERDICT A merry celebration of the child who stands out in a class for a confidently inventive mind.—Jan Solow - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/01/2026 *Starred Review* “If I were a bear for a day, my name would be Bear.” With that line, Corey begins a research presentation, but instead of presenting facts about bears, he imagines a day in the life of a bear. Bear starts his day stretching, eating breakfast, and getting dressed before hopping on his motorcycle to search for his friend Mouse. Along the way, he’s interrupted by audience members (later revealed to be Corey’s captivated classmates) who question the narrative and eventually lead Bear to Mouse dangling from a hot-air balloon. Bear pulls off a daring rescue, which seems like the perfect ending—until his teacher asks for more information. Bear and Mouse head home, where they spend the rest of the day playing games, eating, and reading stories before going to bed. Corey’s classmates, delighted by the story, declare the report a success—and ask him to do another one, this time about elephants. The multimedia illustrations are fun and imaginative, while the first-person perspective enhances the premise, allowing readers to visualize what it would be like to live as a bear. Colored speech bubbles depict the amusing exchanges between Corey’s story and his classmates' interruptions. An imaginative and delightful tale reminiscent of the humor and sensibility of Jon Klassen and Aaron Reynolds. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.