Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/24/2023 PreS-Gr 2—Sir Julian is hungry, but his mother's Fusion Fondue is not as appetizing as he would like. So, he feeds his dinner to the dog and goes to bed with his tummy grumbling. When he can take it no more, Sir Julian suits up and ventures bravely into the darkness to sate his stomach in whatever way he can. Unfortunately, there are no snacks to be found, and Sir Julian must call upon what is left of his bravery to ease his discomfort. This charming tale is clever and unexpected, capitalizing on the trepidation one feels when navigating the dark. The use of dramatic lighting, word choice, and viewing angles amplifies the intensity of this story, which expertly builds and releases tension throughout. Cartoonlike images and frequent onomatopoeia make the narrative feel similar to a comic book, and readers will be drawn to each page as Sir Julian advances in his quest. Children who enjoy slightly spooky stories—whether at Halloween or at other times during the year—will find this book to be especially appealing thanks to the familiarity of its subject matter. Particularly well-designed to be read aloud, this is a book that will quickly become a favorite in families that appreciate the multifaceted joy that comes from being a kid. VERDICT This entertaining story is an excellent selection for reading aloud with young children.—Mary R. Lanni - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.