Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2023 The cheerful, peppy monster-character family in Because I’m Your Dad (2013) return, with a similar blend of whimsy, humor, and sweet sentiments, this time showcasing a mother-child relationship. As Mom narrates, Santat's signature vibrant cartoon illustrations portray a range of comical scenarios—“Because I’m your Mom, you can pick out your own clothes even if your shoes don’t match, because that’s cool!” Elsewhere, Mom permits eating nachos for breakfast and Popsicles in the shower and having a “mega awesome” birthday. But along with the fun activities, like digging for backyard treasure or attending Dad’s rock concert, there are tender moments: Mom kisses “owies away,” makes wishes on shooting stars, and promises, “I will do all these things for you and more . . . because that’s what my mom did for me.” Throughout, blue-furred Arrow and upbeat, purple-haired Mom’s mutual affection is evident, and the story's playful elements will amuse, entertain, and reassure, all while highlighting how special one-on-one time with a parent can be. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/21/2023 PreS-Gr 3—From the team that wrote Because I'm Your Dad, equal treatment is granted to Mom. The mothers in this book let their children pick out their own mismatched clothes, eat nachos for breakfast, and play with cosmic-powered smushy-faced puppycorns. They dig for treasure in the backyard with their children and skateboard with them on the beach while skipping piano lessons. "Because I'm your mom, we'll make wishes on shooting stars and always remember to say what we are grateful for at bedtime." Zappa's sentimental text is illuminated by the goofiness of Santat's bold, arresting monsters, which adds lots of fun without the mushiness. Each page shares a message of love juxtaposed with the playfulness of a two-pronged monster mom and her equally monstrous, but charming, youngster. Readers won't be frightened by these two as they colorfully parade among humans in their super stylish sunglasses or take selfies in front of the pyramids in Egypt. Be sure to look for Santat's nod to fellow artists and his witty details that bring an added layer to savvy readers. VERDICT Pure fun for readers with a lovable message that will appeal to all. A lovely addition to the library.—C.J Connor - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.