Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 12/09/2024 "As everyone knows," mushrooms-at least the ones that populate this picture book’s comically skewed, anthropomorphized forest-"are LOUD." Lacking inside voices or any sense of boundaries, they argue and gossip, recite bad poetry, and sing "long, loud songs about how great it is to be a mushroom." ("Even trees think mushrooms are noisy, and everyone knows how noisy trees are.") Marmots, meanwhile, who also reside in the forest, can’t abide noise-"especially singing." When a handful of mushrooms pops up around the entrance to Monty the marmot’s den, the animal politely lodges a complaint with the head mushroom, then vows to eat the fungi (a useless threat, since they’re poisonous). Finally, the marmot leaves in disgust, making room for new neighbors: banana slugs, which can’t hear but cheerfully declare, "We CAN eat poisonous mushrooms." Some readers may find this reveal unsettling; despite the cacophonous thoughtlessness, the mushrooms are kind of adorable in their incessant commentary and unbridled enthusiasm. But those who don’t mind nature-based-turnabout-as-fair-play will find the comic timing of Petty (Elmore the Christmas Moose) impeccable, and digital goofy cartooning by Chapman (Seals Are Jerks!) aptly captures the barely contained chaos of a forest on the brink. Ages 4-8. Author’s agent: Jennifer Rof?, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Mar.) - Copyright 2024