Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 07/22/2022 Gr 1–3—A horse drawn lunch wagon rolling down a moonlit seemingly deserted city street gathers a crowd of surprising customers in this atmospheric nocturne. To Fan's quietly rhythmic text—"Drip, drop, coffee's hot./ Noses sniff the air./ Shuffle yawn, bellies growl./ The night lunch bell is ringing"—running across the bottom, Seiferling pairs misty scenes of sidewalks and closed stores, glimmering streetlights, and dark apartment buildings. Who would be out at such a late hour? "Night Owl" proclaims the sign on the wagon with perfect truth, for the proprietor/cook turns out to be a large owl, and the queued up clientele? A badger, a fox, a family of porcupines, moths, opossums, and other wildlife sporting hats, purses, and other anthropomorphic gear place orders for mince pie, sandwiches, biscuits, or pudding. Some diners sit down to eat (the wagon is larger on the inside than outside), others take away bags. And after the rush, as the sky begins to brighten and before closing up, the owl invites a tiny mouse who has been hopefully sweeping up the crumbs to share a sumptuous high tea. A hint of mischief animates this peaceful, harmonious alternative to such noisier peeks at what animals really do at night as Gideon Sterer's The Midnight Fair, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio. VERDICT A pleaser for story time or bedtime, with distinctive art that adds quiet touches of humor and mystery.—John Edward Peters - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/15/2022 A horse-drawn cart arrives at night, bringing lunch to its animal patrons while a small mouse sweeps up the dust. In the cart, clanging pots and pans, Owl is the versatile quick-order chef. Mince pie for Fox, sandwich for Badger, an egg for Moth, sausages and peppers for the inverted hanging bats, and puddings for the multitudinous baby possums on mama’s back. Then “Tick tock, time to stop. The sky outside is brightening.” In a happy surprise, Owl has created a magnificent feast, complete with white tablecloth and candles, for the little, trembling mouse and himself to enjoy. Every full-page spread uses close-ups and different perspectives, providing a sweet and satisfying fantastical glimpse into what animals might be doing while humans sleep. The digital illustrations, done in soft sepia tones, use dramatic highlights for the lamps, stars, and twinkling strings on the horse’s bridle. This creative and fun story should encourage children to imagine their own nighttime feasts. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.