Bound To Stay Bound

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 Bear out there
 Author: Hannigan, Jess

 Publisher:  Quill Tree Books (2025)

 Classification: Easy
 Physical Description: [42] p., col. ill., 26 cm

 BTSB No: 418269 ISBN: 9780063289482
 Ages: 4-8 Grades: K-3

 Subjects:
 Bears -- Fiction
 Fear -- Fiction
 Humorous fiction

Price: $24.48

Summary:
A girl invites readers into her home to hide from the "bear out there"--only for readers to realize all may not be what it seems inside or outside.


Reviews:
   Kirkus Reviews (03/15/25)
   School Library Journal (+) (04/01/25)
   Booklist (+) (00/04/25)

Full Text Reviews:

Other - 01/27/2025 In her sophomore outing, Hannigan (Spider in the Well) combines snappy dialogue, an intriguing narrator, and bold acrylic and paper-collage images that build to a wild fairy tale twist. The reader immediately becomes enmeshed in the story, knocking at the door of a forest cottage-an action that is greeted by a horrified wail ("AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"). The cry is emitted from inside the dwelling by a pale-skinned, red-haired child sporting a green jumper. "Oh, sorry about that, I thought you were someone else," the child says matter-of-factly, beginning an irresistible sales pitch: "You look very smart and reasonable, much like myself." Making the reader "promise not to scream," the child reveals what they are hiding from: "I know for a fact that there is a BEAR out there." Sounds are heard outside, and the noisemaker is divulged, leading to further revelations about the scenario. It’s an enjoyable surprise of an antihero tale that delivers snark, readerly snorts, and the delicious reassurance of learning that however persuasive the child’s patter is, something that initially seems frightening turns out not to be scary at all. Ages 4-8. Agent: Hannah Mann, Writers House. (Apr.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 04/01/2025 Gr 1–4—The story of Goldilocks has many variations and has been written from many different characters' points of view. Hannigan has added to this canon using a child's voice, or perhaps paranoia, about things they do not understand and are afraid of. The story opens with a young girl frightened by a knock on her home's door. She invites readers into her home and expresses her concerns about bears, to the point in which she draws a picture of one. The reader learns that Goldilocks is, in fact, in the bears' house and not her own. As Goldilocks makes her explosive and destructive exit of the bears' house, a bear explains to readers that strangers are often in her house without her family's permission. The bear does not like it but has learned to deal with the continuous interruptions these strangers cause her family. Read it as a retold tale or as a metaphor for humans stomping through the environment; this delightful book will help children identify, lovingly address, and overcome any fears they may have and are struggling with. The illustrations beautifully support and extend the text. VERDICT A beloved classic fairy tale with a new twist, this is frightfully fun and novel.—Laura Ellis - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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