Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2023 On an uncharacteristically windy day in the woods, Bear wakes up to find a tornado right on his doorstep. The wind is violently blowing trees and other forest animals through the air. Somewhere in the distance, a wizard is working on a spell to stop the storm when, all of a sudden, his wand is ripped away from his hands and blown all the way over to Bear, where it plants itself directly on his head. Bear quickly realizes that the object stuck in his head is a wish-granting wand and uses it to help all the forest animals he's able to. But such unlimited power is dangerous, and soon Bear is contending with a handful of wily animals who want that power for themselves. Playful, cartoonish artwork matches the silly story in this easy-to-read graphic novel, which is full of jokes sure to keep elementary-schoolers giggling and a meaningful message about generosity, kindness, and being responsible. Episodic story structure and open panels will make this a good choice for emerging comics readers. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 06/15/2023 On an uncharacteristically windy day in the woods, Bear wakes up to find a tornado right on his doorstep. The wind is violently blowing trees and other forest animals through the air. Somewhere in the distance, a wizard is working on a spell to stop the storm when, all of a sudden, his wand is ripped away from his hands and blown all the way over to Bear, where it plants itself directly on his head. Bear quickly realizes that the object stuck in his head is a wish-granting wand and uses it to help all the forest animals he's able to. But such unlimited power is dangerous, and soon Bear is contending with a handful of wily animals who want that power for themselves. Playful, cartoonish artwork matches the silly story in this easy-to-read graphic novel, which is full of jokes sure to keep elementary-schoolers giggling and a meaningful message about generosity, kindness, and being responsible. Episodic story structure and open panels will make this a good choice for emerging comics readers. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/01/2023 K-Gr 2—When a magical wand lands on his head during a windstorm, Bear begrudgingly becomes Bizard the Bear Wizard. He reluctantly starts to help his friends and neighbors, but things quickly become complicated as more and more animals find out about Bear's magic. The story ends on a simple lesson about forgiveness, but the overall story feels sporadic, as subplots are suddenly introduced and wrapped up just as abruptly. However, the focus seems to be on the humor and the hilarious wishes the animal friends make, like a squirrel who wants to turn into a ninja, but then becomes a nut—creating a laugh-out-loud situation where Squirrel now finds itself delicious. Likewise, the simple word choice makes this ideal for readers who want to tackle longer graphic novels like "Dog Man," but don't yet have the vocabulary. Artwork feels equally simple and childlike, and matches the tone exactly. VERDICT Simple and silly.—Peter Blenski - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.