Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2025 PreS-K—Ghouldilocks the little ghoul is an unforgettable sight as she plays hide-and-shriek while sporting a ghastly haircut in the deep, dark woods. One night, Ghouldilocks hears some spooky sounds coming from a nearby abandoned mansion and naturally goes to investigate. Upon entering, she discovers chairs, ghoulash, and beds that fuel her curiosity until, that is, the house's actual residents return. This interpretation of the traditional story of Goldilocks is well suited to the spooky Halloween season. Featuring multiple puns and jokes, the narrative turns what might otherwise be a frightful tale into one that is enjoyable for all ages. Word bubbles pair well with the overall narrative of the story, providing a dynamic interface for both the characters and for readers, alike. The illustrations are a highlight, using wild lines and amusing details to bring Ghouldilocks's world clearly into readers' minds. A select range of colors are used within the book, and the images are large enough to be enjoyed in a group setting. Readers already familiar with the original will enjoy this approach to the tale, especially as they notice similarities and differences between the two stories within the narrative. VERDICT Fun and clever, this book is a unique addition to library collections for preschool readers and is an enjoyable story to read aloud as Halloween approaches.—Mary Lanni - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Other - 06/09/2025 Sullivan gives the classic fairy tale a ghoulish twist in this punning variation. In the middle of a game of "hide-and-shriek," Ghouldilocks, depicted with chartreuse skin and Medusa-like "ghastly hair," follows a series of eerie sounds to an abandoned house in which a familiar chain of events unfolds. Wordplay provides the well-trod tale with a seasonal punch: the first chair Ghouldilocks sits in feels like a "tombstone" and the next is like "quicksand"; one bowl of ghoulash is "hotter than a werewolf’s breath on a summer day," and another is "colder than a vampire’s skin on a winter morning." Throughout, frenetic-feeling, queasy-hued digital artwork by Becker provides visual momentum via scenes of the subject wreaking havoc. When the returning spirit family finds the slumbering interloper, the discovery results in a collective fright before humor defuses the situation, propelling the story toward a conclusion that emphasizes that there’s nothing frightening about friendship. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) - Copyright 2025