Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 12/09/2024 A battle of wills unfolds when a teal-colored turtle encounters a green turtle, sporting an oversize yellow bear suit, who coolly declares itself a "for-real bear." Shea (Oh, Are You Awake?), working in a naif style that gives this two-handed story a raw, comedic immediacy, portrays the teal turtle responding quickly with an outlandish assertion of its own: "I’m a for-real bear expert, and you are NOT a for-real bear." When arguing gets them nowhere (especially when the "bear" insists it hibernates "like five times a day"), the teal turtle takes a different tack. The "expert" declares that bears also love ice cream, riding bikes, and-displaying an impish delight that’s certain to tickle readers-playing "PUMPKIN KING! BENEVOLENT SMASHER OF PUMPKINS!" When Bearsuit Turtle suggests extending the marvelous day with a swim ("For-real bear fur gets kinda hot"), the sense of trust and friendship that’s grown between them prompts a mutual confession: neither is what they claimed to be. But that’s okay, because they also agree that being their real selves-two happy, water-loving turtles-is equally wonderful. Bear facts conclude. Ages 4-8. (Mar.) - Copyright 2024

School Library Journal - 05/16/2025 K-Gr 2—In a story that takes place entirely in dialogue and assigns no genders to the main characters, a turtle wearing a bear suit tries hard to be bearlike but ultimately decides that being a turtle will do. Bearsuit Turtle meets another turtle and tries to convince it of this new identity. Climbing a tree? Naturally! There are a few mishaps, but once Bearsuit cops to the con, the new friends find fun things to do together, including splashing around in a pond. The laugh-out-loud humor may not come for some children, but others will find this book hilarious. Some of the funniest bits are at the back of the book, where bear facts include what to do if you encounter a bear (different for grizzly and black bears) as well as "If you see a bear wearing overalls and playing the banjo, clap along and dance." Fans of Shea's other books (Chez Bob, etc.) will recognize the creator's signature colorful style which is simultaneously childlike and sophisticated. VERDICT A quirky and sweet animal friendship story with special appeal for fans of the author's other books.—Sue Morgan - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.