Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 03/24/2025 Cat reluctantly joins chum Duck on a riverboat cruise that turns dire in this early reader graphic novel by Panckeri, making his children’s book debut. When the vessel’s cook falls ill and the evening’s meal and entertainment are canceled, the protagonists are trapped with an increasingly hungry crocodile family who start eyeing their fellow passengers. The bulldog captain initially dismisses the friends’ concerns until realizing, in Duck’s words, that "we could be dinner, and you would be dessert!" The solution? While Cat heads to the kitchen to whip up a meal, Duck provides emergency entertainment. Just as Duck exhausts her repertoire and the crocs reach for the saltshaker, Cat’s culinary creation saves the day, leading to the friends’ shared toast, "to not being on the menu." Clear-line illustrations and steady-as-she-goes framings serve as a comic foil to Cat and Duck’s mounting panic. Readers with a taste for grim, understated humor should gobble this one up. Ages 4-8. (June) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 06/01/2025 K-Gr 2—Panckeri, a New Yorker cartoonist, makes his children's book debut with this humorous, attractively illustrated early reader graphic novel. Two friends, a very enthusiastic and optimistic Duck and an anxious Cat, board a riverboat dinner cruise led by a crew of dogs with a family of crocodiles. When the dinner is cancelled and the crocodiles get hungry, Duck and Cat have to save themselves, with Duck providing entertainment while Cat cooks up gumbo. What follows is a humorous, if a bit dark, story that could be enjoyed as a read-aloud. The text is a great level for readers moving up from series like Mo Willems's "Elephant and Piggie," as there are only a few short sentences per page. The accessibility of the text doesn't take away from the plot, which is driven by humor and expressive art. The visuals will keep readers engaged and provide helpful context clues that aid in following the narrative. Young readers will build visual information skills as they explore the details in the boldly drawn, colorful panels. All the characters are distinct in appearance, making the book easy to follow. Readers will wonder what Duck and Cat will be up to next. VERDICT A must have addition to the growing selection of early reader graphic novels. Give to fans of Sergio Ruzzier's "Fox & Chick" series.—Taylor Skorski - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2025 New Yorker contributor Panckeri plies his skills in single-panel cartooning in this debut early reader comic. Two best friends board a riverboat for a leisurely outing—at least, that’s Duck’s plan. Cat, ever skeptical, is wary. When the cook abandons ship to paddle a seasick performer to shore, the passengers are left without entertainment—or dinner. Unnerved by the hungry side-eye of a family of crocodiles, the friends scramble: Duck puts on a frantic show, while Cat hustles making gumbo. As Duck wilts, the crocs lick their chops, but a steaming pot finally arrives, restoring goodwill. Plump, expressive characters outlined in rounded black lines are filled with a pleasant palette of teals, grays, and warm roses. Clever details add humor and fun—mom croc’s visor over her mop of auburn curls, dad croc’s gold medallion and polo shirt—and the odd-couple pals are portrayed with distinctive panache: Duck rocks a tiny bowler, while Cat sports a checked scarf. This fun, single-joke tale of the perils of hanging out with hangry folks adds to the pantheon of comic animal pairs—best read after a snack. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.