Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2024 PreS-Gr 1—A book that is more about wordplay than teaching the alphabet, and a sibling story within the stricture of an ABC book. Older alligator brother Albert (A) is not enjoying his day with toddler brother Baxter (B). Baxter wakes up crying (C) needing a diaper (D) change, which is an easy (E) fix (F) by Grandma (G). Next, Albert is irritated (I) by Baxter, who is hungry (H) and jumpy (J), until Grandma brings him into the kitchen (K) where he makes a mess. Clever word choices are matched by charming anthropomorphic cartoon alligators. Their expressions, and especially Albert's eyebrows, make clear all that they are feeling. The illustrations are a perfect extension of the text, with no additional words needed. While not difficult to determine, there are no visual cues for the actual ABCs. VERDICT A highly relatable look at the complexity of an entire sibling relationship using only 26 words; there's always room for one more ABC book, so purchase as needed.—Catherine Callegari - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.