Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 06/23/2025 Previous collaborators Garton Scanlan and Vernick (Five Minutes) highlight the importance of mindfully slowing down in this grounding account of a tree that sprouts up in the middle of a family’s residence and refocuses their priorities. "It’s all hurry in and hurry out again" for the book’s relatably harried protagonists. When a bit of green appears on the kitchen floor, the group is initially too distracted to pay it much mind (Dad "takes off his glasses, cleans the lenses, and keeps moving"), but as the sprout turns into sapling, young Penny commits to ensuring that the arrival "knows it is loved." Watercolor patterns and textures give smudgy digital drawings from Lee (Can’t Stop Kissing That Baby) an organic feel, and much of the story’s pleasure lies in humorous depictions of the tree as it grows "a little taller, a little barkier, a little leafier," filling the house’s nooks and covering the scenes in brightening color. Penny and caregivers readily adapt to their leafy occupant’s needs-moving furniture, modifying the roof, and adjusting to the presence of squirrels and ants. The nature-centered payoff-star-gazing, leaf-peeping, enjoying hobbies in a dreamy new spot, plus a literal and metaphorical sense of rootedness-feels meaningfully perspicacious. The family is portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4-8. Authors’ agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Anne Moore Armstrong, Bright Agency. (Sept.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 08/01/2025 K-Gr 3—Always on the go, Penny's family never slows down. When "something happens, something that gets everyone's attention," Bo-Belly the dog's ear cocks attentively and Penny pauses, even though the family must hurry on again. In the middle of the kitchen, starting very small, a young tree sprouts. At first only Penny and the dog seem to notice, as the grown-ups have so many things to attend to. The tree grows rapidly and takes over the family's house, sending roots into the basement and branches out through the roof. The family that once had to rush from one thing to another learns to slow down and "they are more in and less out. And way less hurried." By the conclusion of this gently humorous and thoroughly recognizable tale for today's overprogrammed families, a sense of calm and connectivity has spread through this family. Readers who feel the frantic pace of modern life will be left wishing for a tree to take root in their own kitchens. Illustrations are done in a mix of watercolor patterns, textures, and digital drawings, capturing the young sapling, the frenetic pace of the family, and the eventual development of peace and harmony. By the conclusion, the tree's fall foliage envelopes the family in glorious color and a sense of tranquility. VERDICT An absolute winner with comic touches and tenderness that will speak to a generation of readers who are part of families that are "on the go" and yet looking for an alternative to the pace of modern life. Highly recommended.—John Scott - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.