Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/28/2024 K-Gr 2—In a tale so spare and atmospheric that it seems barely begun before it ends, the small but meticulously detailed model ship a man insists on building by himself while a boy and also a mouse named Mabel—both relegated to looking on while dreaming of voyages "free and full of wonder"—has its seaworthiness tested when a breezy night inspires the mouse to laboriously drag it down to the shore. Hardly have the man and boy, who both have tan skin and dark hair, rushed out to spot the missing ship sailing past than it hits a rock—which leads first to a double rescue, and then to the man's realization that he has companions now to share the repair work (and perhaps the dream, though the terse narrative never takes his point of view until the very end). The initially closed-off adult seems to be the central figure here since he's the only one who is changed by the episode, and as the proportions of mouse and boat alter repeatedly. The two humans seem to float over the water rather than wade in, as shown in Caldecott winner Cordell's finely hatched illustrations that have a misty, metaphorical cast. Still, the measured mix of visual and verbal narrative will draw in younger readers, and who doesn't enjoy joining an intrepid mouse on a seagoing adventure? VERDICT Introspective readers will join Mabel and the unnamed boy in dreams of distant wonders, but the nuances here may sail over younger audiences' heads. Purchase where books by Jonker and Cordell are in demand.—John Edward Peters - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 06/28/2024 K-Gr 2—In a tale so spare and atmospheric that it seems barely begun before it ends, the small but meticulously detailed model ship a man insists on building by himself while a boy and also a mouse named Mabel—both relegated to looking on while dreaming of voyages "free and full of wonder"—has its seaworthiness tested when a breezy night inspires the mouse to laboriously drag it down to the shore. Hardly have the man and boy, who both have tan skin and dark hair, rushed out to spot the missing ship sailing past than it hits a rock—which leads first to a double rescue, and then to the man's realization that he has companions now to share the repair work (and perhaps the dream, though the terse narrative never takes his point of view until the very end). The initially closed-off adult seems to be the central figure here since he's the only one who is changed by the episode, and as the proportions of mouse and boat alter repeatedly. The two humans seem to float over the water rather than wade in, as shown in Caldecott winner Cordell's finely hatched illustrations that have a misty, metaphorical cast. Still, the measured mix of visual and verbal narrative will draw in younger readers, and who doesn't enjoy joining an intrepid mouse on a seagoing adventure? VERDICT Introspective readers will join Mabel and the unnamed boy in dreams of distant wonders, but the nuances here may sail over younger audiences' heads. Purchase where books by Jonker and Cordell are in demand.—John Edward Peters - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2024 In a small cabin beside a lake, a man and boy live (unbeknownst to them) with a little mouse named Mabel. Every evening after dark, she comes out and gazes at the man’s most prized possession: a model ship that he meticulously made. She imagines herself sailing the ship as its captain, navigating by the stars. One night, she manages to move it outdoors and into the water. At the helm, she feels free and wonderful. In the morning, the man and the boy laugh to see her sailing the ship—until it hits a rock. They rush to rescue Mabel and the damaged vessel, which they all repair together. A bit tense (but not scary), the well-worded narrative will appeal to kids who yearn for adventure but shy away from actual danger. Reflecting the story’s quiet tone, Cordell’s beguiling shaded-pencil drawings aptly portray the courageous mouse, the boy, and the man who built the beautifully crafted, seaworthy miniature ship. An enjoyable picture book and a memorable read-aloud choice. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.