Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/29/2025 K-Gr 3—Chicken is so excited! She and Papa are going to the ballet to see The Nutcracker. She grabs her tutu and ballet slippers and is ready to go. Papa is a bit worried that she will interrupt the show, but Chicken promises to behave. Everyone takes their seats, the lights go down, and the narrator begins the story. The cast is having a good time at the Christmas party in the show, but the most exciting moment is when a special guest makes a grand appearance. It's a little red chicken from the third row, wearing a tutu and ballet shoes. This isn't the only time Chicken is unable to resist being a part of the program, and eventually, Chicken and Papa are asked to leave the theater. Chicken feels bad, and she and Papa realize they need to get back in the theater to help save the show. But how? There's never a dull moment with the Interrupting Chicken around. She isn't mean when she places herself in the program—she's very excited and wants to be a part of the fun. Although it frustrates Papa, he understands she's a clever little girl, and even makes her father part of the grand plan to save the ballet in the end. Chicken and Papa are painted with bold watercolors, while background characters are slightly muted. Because they stand out, eyes are immediately drawn to them. VERDICT Children who love other stories in the series, as well as those who are new to Interrupting Chicken, will enjoy this book.—Barbara Spiri - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.