Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2025 PreS-Gr 3—For kids who are ready to break free from expectations and express themselves, this is an inspiring pick. Every year, the little girl has been something sweet—think strawberries, bunnies, and all things adorable. But not this year. This year, she's determined to be a spell-casting, fearsome witch, complete with wild hair, fabulous accessories, and a loyal feline sidekick. She sets out to create the perfect costume. But when she goes to admire herself in the mirror, she gives herself quite a fright! Luckily, Dad is there to help her through the scare. Together, they add the finishing touches, don their makeup, and head out to spook the neighborhood. Vibrant colorized art, rich with greens, blues, purples, pinks, oranges, reds, and blacks, brings a nostalgic yet fresh feel to the story, capturing the little witch's whirlwind of emotions. The simple yet powerful message about independence and self-expression will resonate with kids and parents alike. VERDICT A must-buy. Young readers love exploring their independence, and this delightful story might just inspire a few more to embrace their unique selves—just like this little witch and her dad.—Cassie Veselovsky - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Other - 06/09/2025 Done with "adorable" Halloween costumes, a child makes what feels like a monumental proclamation: "this year, a witch!" Intensive prep propels much of the story as the narrator describes how "I speak squirrel, toad, bird, and cat," and declares, "Witches don’t need their lovies. Or daddies. Or naps." When it comes time for a big costume reveal in the mirror ("Get ready to run! Get ready to hide!"), the visual transformation proves shocking for the self-assured child; luckily, Daddy comes to the rescue just in time for trick-or-treating. Electric accent colors infuse Abbott’s inky multimedia and risograph-printed illustrations, which fittingly capture the protagonist’s effort to achieve independence in this lively tale that gestures toward the push and pull of growing up. Ages 4-8. (July) - Copyright 2025