Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/01/2023 *Starred Review* In the underwater metropolis of Caper Cove, if you break the law, you get the claw. Top-notch lobster cop Officer Clawsome and his starfish sidekick, Stariana, keep the peace on the streets (even if every time they capture Catburglarfish, it ends with an accidental fireworks-factory explosion). But when Electric Eel escapes from prison, mafia bigwigs Masked Mussel and Chowderhead are in talks at Clam Casino (a den for the criminal elite), and the town’s beloved kelpcake factory vanishes into thin air, Officer Clawsome can’t help but feel they’re all connected—and he’s just the crustacean for the job. This story is a delight from start to finish, and every character—from the crab police chief, Captain Badmood, to a key-witness goldfish with a 10-second memory—is highly original and deliciously funny. There are well-planted nods to 007 and mafia films, a wonderful twist ending, a 25-page WWE fight sequence, and enough full-spread KABOOM scenes to detonate a country. And the humorous story is supported admirably by its colorful cartoon artwork, which uses digital illustrations with innovative angles, terrific shading and depth, and all the mood and swagger of a Bond film with the color palette of a SpongeBob episode. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2023 *Starred Review* In the underwater metropolis of Caper Cove, if you break the law, you get the claw. Top-notch lobster cop Officer Clawsome and his starfish sidekick, Stariana, keep the peace on the streets (even if every time they capture Catburglarfish, it ends with an accidental fireworks-factory explosion). But when Electric Eel escapes from prison, mafia bigwigs Masked Mussel and Chowderhead are in talks at Clam Casino (a den for the criminal elite), and the town’s beloved kelpcake factory vanishes into thin air, Officer Clawsome can’t help but feel they’re all connected—and he’s just the crustacean for the job. This story is a delight from start to finish, and every character—from the crab police chief, Captain Badmood, to a key-witness goldfish with a 10-second memory—is highly original and deliciously funny. There are well-planted nods to 007 and mafia films, a wonderful twist ending, a 25-page WWE fight sequence, and enough full-spread KABOOM scenes to detonate a country. And the humorous story is supported admirably by its colorful cartoon artwork, which uses digital illustrations with innovative angles, terrific shading and depth, and all the mood and swagger of a Bond film with the color palette of a SpongeBob episode. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/17/2023 Gr 2–6—Officer Clawsome the Lobster Cop and his sidekick Stariana the Starfish are on the case in Caper Cove as they are joined by a cast of ocean characters in their hunt for Catburglarfish. The duo works for Captain Badmood, who has his best cops chasing villains such as the sinister, slippery Electric Eel. Clawsome and Stariana use their special fish powers to defeat foes while they uncover a mystery and try to return peace to the Cove. The ending leaves open the possibility for a strong series. Characters (goldfish, pufferfish) and settings ("Donut" shop, casino) stand out thanks to a mix of realistic representations of aquatic life, humorous puns, and subtle jokes. The vivid digital illustrations are filled with underwater bubbles and classic superhero onomatopoeia sound effects—bam, wham, screech, chomp—that create a fun sense of adventure. In addition, the exaggerated facial expressions of the ocean characters humanize their interactions and reactions. The palette of reds, greens, yellows, and blues builds an inviting world where kids will want to spend time and follow more adventures of the awesome twosome. VERDICT A must-have addition to any collection that circulates graphic novels. Great for fans of Aaron Blabey's "The Bad Guys" and SpongeBob SquarePants.—Danielle Schwessinger - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.