Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2025 Gr 1–2—Four stories demonstrate the funny consequences of missing out on important information. In "The List," Bird is angry at a perceived slight by her friend Bear, so she concocts a list of the rudest names she can think of—egregious epithets like "Stinky Sock Muffin"—to leave for him. Unfortunately, she accidentally gives the list to a friend going to the store for her, then leaves her shopping list on Bear's doorstep. Each story is equally tangled: Bear and Bird decide they can't be friends because they have nothing in common except a distaste for zingleberry juice; Bear accidentally keeps a secret despite his record of being a blabbermouth; and a game of hide-and-seek turns into a pleasant day in a tree for the two friends when it turns out no one is looking for them. Bear and Bird are a case study for the comedy that arises from simple misunderstandings. Reconciliations between the friends are sincere, but never twee. Digitally rendered textured watercolors in abundant cool colors create a sweet and charming forest world. VERDICT Jarvis has turned out another winner in this highly recommended early reader series.—Rachel Owens - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 11/01/2025 The latest installment in Jarvis’ early chapter-book series tackles some big feelings and funny foibles as best friends Bear and Bird go about their days together. Each chapter contains an episodic, stand-alone story that is illustrated in an endearingly childlike fashion—a little scribbly, a lot adorable. In “The List,” Bird is struck by jealousy and anger when she learns that Bear has given everyone a special nickname except for her. In the next story, the pair discovers that they don’t have everything in common, which throws their friendship into question. “The Secret” sees Bear—a notoriously bad secret keeper—comically flee from Bird’s attempt to share a secret with him. “The Tree” provides a cozy conclusion to the book as Bear and Bird happily while away an evening in each other’s company. Though arranged into chapters, there is rarely a full page of text, making this a good step into longer-format books. Its stories also explore a useful range of emotions without expressing judgement or becoming didactic, uplifting honesty amid the relatable, humorous scenarios. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.