Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 07/04/2025 Gr 1–3—This energetic comedy takes a fond look at the ins and outs of canine behavior. A group of dogs trickles into the dog park one by one. An alert border collie regards each new arrival with suspicion, declaring it to be different from those already present. However, upon closer inspection, the dogs find a wealth of similarities based on their preferences and behavior. Just like the border collie, a little bichon-frise-and-poodle mix likes to stick its head out the car window on drives. A mastiff and a golden retriever both prefer dry food. And, of course, many of them enjoy chasing squirrels. Finally, even a pet ferret is welcomed into the group, with friendliness as the defining trait linking it to all the dogs. Glick's zany art, in a comic-style panel layout, is well suited to Barton's concept and enthusiastic tone, but the slyly humorous gestalt may appeal more to adults than children. For example, in an oddly fourth-wall-shredding device, one dog acts as a play-by-play sports announcer for the others' antics, staring out at readers from inset boxes and delivering color commentary through a handheld microphone provided by its owner (including arch bits like "You'd think numero uno would know better by now," and "You love to see that, dog park aficionados!"). All in good fun, of course, but it may take some work to let kids in on the joke. VERDICT Though the subject matter will speak to devoted dog lovers, the execution is more for the young-at-heart than for the actually young.—Jonah Dragan - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 01/01/2026 As different dogs arrive at the dog park, a mic-wielding terrier named Button narrates the action. Of the first pair, Button observes, “These dogs match”—indeed, the trim black-and-whites look alike and play alike. But when a shaggy golden retriever bonds with one over a shared love of chasing balls, and a small fluffy dog connects with the other over a mutual fondness for car rides, Button reflects, “You can’t always tell right away, can you?” More dogs appear and, despite their differing appearances, find matches over favorite foods, squirrel strategies, and even hydrant or bush. When a sweater-clad ferret joins the group, the pack agrees that just being friendly is match enough. Lively comic-style panels, filled with loose ink lines and light watercolor washes, conjure this charmingly disparate muddle of mutts and their human pals. Varying hand-lettered speech balloons give voice to each dog's personality. In this cheerful cavalcade of connection, experienced picture-book author Barton unleashes a light-touch tale about finding common ground—not by ignoring differences, but by noticing what we share despite them. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.