Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 11/01/2025 Wiggler, who is all about jokes all the time, stars in this I Like to Read Comics entry by Eisner Award nominee Vandorn (Crabapple Trouble, 2020; Monster Friends, 2021) featuring panels filled with colorful characters and detailed scenery, along with fun wordplay. The wormlike creature bustles about town from one busy location to another, cracking jokes to appreciative friends. Dropping by a workshop, Wiggler distracts robot pal Roro, who accidentally hooks up a red wire to a green one and gives himself a shock. Wiggler keeps making jokes until Roro gets upset and then takes it out on Wiggler with a command to go away. When the jokester realizes the visit was disruptive, Wiggler goes back to the workshop to apologize, only to be surprised with a return joke from the understanding friend. Readers will enjoy likable characters who experience relatable emotions like being playful, frustrated, confused, and apologetic. While older readers will get the jokes, it’s also a great introduction to new readers about puns and wordplay that may be enhanced by an experienced reader’s explanations. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.