Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2018 Gr 2–4—Hugo is a curious young dreamer living in an apartment with his parents and older sister. He also happens to be a young Sasquatch (or, a "squidge," as the book affectionately labels them). Hugo lives in the Central Cave District in the North Woods, a thriving Sasquatch community complete with a school, general store, and a bakery. Here, the Sasquatch live similarly to humans, but also have a strict rule: never interact with, or be seen by, humans. Hugo accepts this, but also longs to be a part of the "Big Wide World" outside of the Central Cave District. Everything changes when he spots a human (named Boone) in the woods. Young readers will enjoy this story of an unlikely friendship and may especially like the Sasquatch characters and setting, which are impressively well developed. The gentle humor throughout is sure to entertain. Sala's charming illustrations only add to the appeal. VERDICT Established chapter book author Potter delivers another winner with this series opener.—Molly Hone, Pequannock Township Public Library, NJ - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2018 *Starred Review* Hugo is a young Sasquatch (a squidge) with dreams of seeing the Big Wide World, but he’s forbidden from venturing far from the Sasquatch settlement in Widdershins Cavern. One of the few occasions he and the other squidges are allowed out is for their hide-and-go-sneak class, during which they practice moving through the woods undetected. Midway through Hugo’s turn, a human wanders into their midst, and Hugo can’t help but laugh at its silly appearance—it doesn’t have red eyes or smell like dead porcupines at all! Unfortunately, the sound catches the boy’s attention, and he locks eyes with Hugo before running off. Blunder! Confined to his room, Hugo sends a toy boat down a small stream, and the next day it returns containing a human figurine. So begins their Sasquatch-human letter exchange (unprecedented!) until a misunderstanding prompts Hugo to break all the rules and patch things up with his new friend, Boone. Readers will easily connect with Hugo, whose experiences in school and with family and friends transcend species divides. Potter gives her amusing and adventurous plot just the right amount of detail to bring it to life, as do Sala’s simple line drawings. This warmhearted new series, particularly suited for reluctant readers or chapter-book newbies, promises more laughs and exploits from the entertainingly paired Hugo and Boone. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.