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

School Library Journal - 05/02/2025 K-Gr 2—A hilarious book full of fungi and one grouchy but endearing marmot. A forest full of mushrooms is the scene set in digitally rendered illustrations that have a sophisticated sense of humor, similar to Peter Brown's comic noir stylings for Creepy Carrots. The jovial mushrooms are delighted to take readers on a tour of their world and explain how wonderful they are. Not all the woodland creatures share this adoration; readers are told that mushrooms are loud, exuberant, and simply don't know when to stop. When they overwhelm Monty the marmot as they settle in right above his burrow, things take a ridiculous turn and the hilarity that ensues leaves readers with a rousing ending featuring banana slugs and justice. VERDICT A wacky tale that encourages readers to reflect on self-awareness and tolerance of others. Highly recommended for a fun discussion starter on living and learning in a community.—John Scott - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.