Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2025 PreS-Gr 1—Dyckman and Teague set the third installation of their animal trio series on a warm, sunny day. Bat, Cat, and Rat enjoy a trip to the beach with a few hiccups and creative solutions along the way. The story is split up to display the personalities of each animal in a clear and enjoyable manner. The style of writing is well-suited for younger readers who are learning to read more independently. The illustrations are bright without being too overwhelming or busy. VERDICT Look no further for a sweet story of animal friends in a friendly, decodable text.—Lindsey Morrison - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/01/2025 In the Bat, Cat & Rat series' third outing, following the Geisel Award–winning Vacation (2024), the roommates cool off on a sweaty day by heading to the beach. Three-and-a-half short chapters chart their adventures in the sun and sand. Mishaps plague the pals at every step of their journey. After gathering their beach gear—Bat has a hat, Cat carries piles of books, and pack rat Rat is laden down with several bulging bags and a kite (with a striking resemblance to the googly-eyed visage of Bat)—they miss their bus. Arriving at their destination, Bat offers food to hungry seagulls and almost ends up as the greedy birds’ snack of choice. When Rat’s kite goes missing, Bat’s kind offer to be a stand-in is an idea that soars. The simple, spare text has lots of repetition and read-aloud charm galore. Teague’s expressive acrylic cartoon illustrations are packed with comical details. Beginning readers will delight in the friends’ funny antics. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.