Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 10/15/2024 *Starred Review* Wilson’s lighthearted debut picture book ponders the serious question of what to do if a bathroom accident happens in school. An adorable bespectacled owl finds themself in this predicament, surrounded by their anthropomorphized animal classmates. Bold monochromatic multimedia illustrations show the animals at school with telling expressions on their faces. Owl tries to prevent an accident by sitting still and crossing their legs. Despite their best efforts, Owl has an accident; red cheeks give away their embarrassment. Wilson reassures readers, “We’ve all been there. Here are some tips to get you through it.” She recommends creating an amusing distraction, utilizing a lampshade, a puffy coat, or a pot as pants. In the end, Owl ends up in the office sitting on a plastic-covered chair, waiting for clean clothes. While they wait, a classmate also has an accident, and the two animals hold hands in tender solidarity. Wilson deals with the topic with humor but ultimately with kindness, and empathy. The mainly black-and-white bold illustrations add levity. Wilson uses large blocks of color to add interest or emphasis, such as yellow pages when Owl has the accident. Wilson writes a reassuring lesson for everyone, even astutely pointing out about adults, “They’ve probably forgotten what it’s like to pee their pants. They’ll remember in a couple of years.” - Copyright 2024 Booklist.