Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/21/2025 Gr 2–5—A popular title in Australia where it was first released in 2024, this illustrated young middle grade novel is a great start to a gripping fantasy adventure series. Titch, a young mousling, yearns for adventure, but she never expected it to crash land on her family's farm at the edge of the great plateau. When she saves the life of Prince Vetiver, he proclaims her to be the next Bravepaw, a warrior blessed with the magic ability to use the heartstone staff. Despite self-doubt, she is swept up, along with her best friend Huckleberry and a puffling named Dollop, in a mission to restore balance to the world. As she struggles to come to terms with her new position as wielder of the heartstone, she will learn that there are many ways to be brave. Channeling Brian Jacques's "Redwall" series, this charming book and its cast of animal characters will quickly connect with young readers; fast pacing and cliffhangers will keep them turning pages to the end. Animation-style grayscale digital illustrations add a rich visual element with a mix of spreads, vignettes, and nature-themed embellishments between chapters. VERDICT A wonderful addition to any fantasy collection, this is especially good for reluctant and new readers of middle grade.—Virginia Pine - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.