Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2022 PreS-Gr 3—Whether they are timid or bold, readers will delight in directing a rhyming story that magically changes every time, with choices to suit all adventurers. Familiarity with classic tales—Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Beanstalk—adds to the enjoyment, but isn't necessary for understanding, as light-skinned, dark-haired "Rosie" (the Little Red Riding Hood stand-in and "you" the reader) ventures to Grandma's house with a basket of cake. Each path varies: you may slay the wolf and return home safely, or you may perish ("When gravity's in charge, the only option is DOWN THERE"). There are moments of danger, kindness, and bravery, and while the story isn't heavy-handed on morals, Snyder reminds readers that "every day…you choose," and the choices you make matter. Caldecott Medalist Santat's watercolor and digital illustrations effectively use various perspectives, contrast between light and shadow, and color to create a spectrum of moods, from the frightening to peaceful; his oversized, looming wolf in the dark woods is scary, while a golden field at sunset actually seems to glow. VERDICT This could lead to raucous story hours or interactive group reads, but what everyone needs to ask is: Do you wish you had a Choose-Your-Own-Fairy-Tale book in your hands right now? Open the book. Highly recommended.—Jenny Arch - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/15/2022 Grab your favorite outerwear (cozy coat or riding hood?) and your sense of adventure because Snyder and Santat have created a fun-filled fairy-tale mashup that puts kids in the driver’s seat. Using a pick-your-path format, the book lets readers control key moments of the narrative, leading to unexpected developments, satisfying victories—and swift deaths. “Little Red Riding Hood” serves as the anchor story for the book, with Rosie as its protagonist. While the young girl is supposed to head to grandmother’s house, the choices she (i.e., the reader) makes along the way might send her into the worlds of “Snow White,” “The Three Little Pigs,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Sleeping Beauty,” or “Jack and the Beanstalk.” If you're comfortable navigating the page turns, the book’s interactive nature, large trim size, and bold, full-bleed illustrations make it an excellent candidate for group sharing. There is also a fractured-fairy tale aspect to the stories featured, which ensures there are surprises around every corner. A highly entertaining read, full of possibilities. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.