Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2024 *Starred Review* Mink, awake long after other children are in bed, hears a strange noise and goes to investigate. She’s astonished to find a baby zebra in the foliage and instantly gets the uncanny sense that the zebra, Gabriel, can communicate via colorful flashes of feeling. Mink sneaks Gabriel up to her apartment bedroom (no easy task) and learns he’s been separated from his parents and is desperate to be reunited. The unlikely pair formulates a plan to find Gabriel's family. It’s revealed that they’ve been detained by the dreadful Mr. Spit, an alphabetical animal collector who slinks around with a sneaky smile and thin mustache. Not to worry: Mink, Gabriel, and a host of animal allies will stop at nothing to secure the captives' freedom. It’s a classic charmer from start to finish, from the cheeky conversations to the exuberant artwork spilling off every page. Each spread has a different delightful format, with swirling shapes framing the humorous text and a slightly wild quality sure to entrance any young reader. There are a few frightening moments, and Mr. Spit feels like a dastardly villain of old, meeting a dark end in accordance with his dark deeds, but the overall air is one of joy and affection. A riveting and rambunctious read for any animal aficionado. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.