Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2025 *Starred Review* Laminack weaves a cozy story about a “big, round cat” with a big personality as she embarks on her neighborhood rounds. Beautiful, softly rendered illustrations by Wong reveal scenes that supply rich details to the spare, rhyming text, which features the refrain, “A cat. A cat. // A big, round cat. // Have you ever seen a cat like that?” The feline in question is a tuxedo cat with an expressive, charming face who begins her day cavorting through the firehouse, where she lives. From there, she heads out into the seaside neighborhood, where she strolls through people’s yards and wanders to the bookstore, the bakery, and the pier. She is clearly a familiar sight to the people she visits, as she is always welcomed with cuddles or snacks. The cat’s ultimate destination is sweetly revealed as she peers through the window of the school and sees the child of the firefighter from the first scene, all three of whom share a hug once school lets out. The story’s simplicity and repetition make it a great selection for storytime, as does the large-scale artwork. The double-page spreads utilize a variety of perspectives, resulting in a quiet but endlessly interesting adventure. A purrfect pairing for Mem Fox’s Nellie Belle (2015) and Henry Cole’s Spot, the Cat (2016). - Copyright 2025 Booklist.