Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 02/17/2025 The stoic corvid at the center of this picture book sits waiting on a telephone wire at story’s start, shown with a small body; a huge, glistening eye; and a curiously blank expression. Soon, Squirrel romps along the wire, inviting the bird to help scatter garbage all over the street. Crow responds with a single, abrupt sound: "KAW!" "Wow. Rude," Squirrel replies. Next, Hummingbird darts and dances in front of Crow: "Wanna race? Wanna do tricks?" Crow responds the same way, then rejects other friendly overtures-so many, in fact, that nearby Cat admonishes the bird: "If you’re not careful, you might find yourself all alone." But after Cat leaps into a firefighter’s waiting arms, a surprise signal kicks off a startling, high-octane plot turn that works out flawlessly for all. Clever pacing, bone-dry humor, and visual surprises distinguish this wildly entertaining picture book from Tabor (Ursula Upside Down), whose ability to conjure up a fully fleshed-out scenario in just a few strokes contributes significantly to the action. A secret code concludes. Ages 4-8. (May) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 06/20/2025 PreS-Gr 1—Crow is sitting on a wire between utility poles on a bright sunny day. One by one his fellow animal friends go up to the wire where he is sitting and invite him to join them in a fun activity. He has the same answer for all of them. His answer is, "Kaw!" His friends are not sure how to take his response. They think he is being rude. Cat warns crow of what can happen if he treats his friends so poorly. Crow appears not to listen to cat, and soon cat is gone, too. What Crow's friends do not know is that crow has a mission. His mission is to make sure no one is in the area, so he can save the world. This book allows parents and teachers to explain staying safe with children and making judgements and decisions based on true and complete facts. VERDICT This is an excellent book to teach young children about safety, sacrifice, putting service before self, and staying focused on a task until it is successfully completed.—Laura Ellis - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.