Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/01/2019 In this sequel to Andros' series opener, Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished (2017), rabbit Charlotte is influenced to undertake another science experiment when her grandpa, as well as the other animals, all come down with a terrible tummyache. Summoning scientific skills she honed with her grandpa, she begins to collect medical histories and specimens, and, though her results are initially inconclusive, she doesn't give up. Even after a group of doctors don't take her seriously, she still perseveres and makes a surprising and useful discovery. Farley's comical cartoon illustrations of Charlotte, a rabbit in a lab coat and goggles, and the other forest creatures make this story of scientific inquiry and experimentation go down easy. Andros nicely emphasizes research methods, confidence, resilience, and the importance of curiosity to scientific vocations. A helpful list of science-related vocabulary terms in the glossary only adds to the STEAM appeal. A nice match for Mary GrandPré’s Cleonardo: The Little Inventor (2016) or Andrea Beaty and David Roberts’ Ada Twist, Scientist (2016). - Copyright 2019 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2019 Gr 1–3-Charlotte, a rabbit wearing safety goggles and a white lab coat, considers herself a serious scientist. She lives in the forest with her large family made even bigger when her famous scientist grandpa moves in. He tells her that one day she will make a difference in the world. When a mysterious illness strikes the forest creatures, including Grandpa, Charlotte seizes the chance to make a difference. She goes to work, but after examining all the sick, she is stumped. A team of doctors arrive. Charlotte tries to share the data she gathered, but the grown-ups ignore her. Undeterred, Charlotte works harder and finally figures out that the illness is associated with some lumpy carrots that all of those afflicted ate. She determines that the carrots have "Funky Forest Fungi" and concocts a cure for both the afflicted and the carrots. Detail-oriented illustrations created with pencil, ink and finished digitally with bright colors add a lively element. The clothing-wearing forest animals go about their day, doing very human activities, including using outhouses (for the gathering of specimens) and sleeping in wrought-iron beds. The prose, while not excessively wordy, is dense at times, using a small font and challenging vocabulary. The end pages contain a glossary for science words used in the book and a message from Charlotte. Charlotte asks kids to write to her how they have made a difference using science. VERDICT Though very young listeners and readers may find this book a challenge, this is a good book for educators to share with budding scientists. -Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.