Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/17/2024 *Starred Review* Ink illustrations framing the page create the image of a stage with columns, proscenium arch, and decorative botanical elements as magician Lady Rabbit, in a humorous reversal, first pulls a small man out of her top hat. Next, she invites the reader to take part in the show by choosing one illustrated audience member, then turning to a specified page. The magician declares that everyone switched seats during intermission, so we must follow our chosen character to another page. One final instruction takes us to a last page, where it is revealed that Lady Rabbit has identified the one character we picked! Amazing but true, the trick has a detailed history dating back to the fifteenth century, described in an entertaining afterword. The fanciful illustrations further the impression of watching a charmingly old-fashioned show. The audience is made up of unique living or anthropomorphic creatures such as Ms. Fork, Cupcake, Shadow, Ace of Spades, Madame Butterfly, Rattlessssssnake, and Worm, among others, 36 in all. Young puzzle masters may try the trick over and over—and be satisfied every time. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.