Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/01/2024 Gr 2–4—Detective Duck is back on the case! Franny the Frog is frantic; her son, Tad the Tadpole, has gone missing. The ducky sleuth immediately sees Franny's problem and sets about solving it. She organizes the citizens of Dogwood Pond into a search party; two members, Beaver McBeaver and Harry the catfish, begin their search along the rim of the far side of the pond. They quickly uncover more problems than the missing Tad. They have trouble seeing in the murky brown water spilling out of a big metal pipe. Algae plants that have taken on a weird blue-green color are much thicker, making it harder to breathe. Gradually, a pond that has always felt safe is becoming dangerous, and there's still no sign of Tad. This second book in the "Detective Duck" series is perfect for young fans of read-aloud chapter books. Detailed, colorful artwork, drawn by Caldecott Award–winning illustrator Santat, brings Winkler and Oliver's story of perseverance and conservation to life. This is a message story, but it has plenty of spirit and character and offers readers a well-paced adventure that ends with, in the words of Detective Duck, "Poof! Problem solved!" VERDICT This entertaining sequel is recommended for chapter book read-alouds, and for those who appreciate children's stories that carry a gentle message of environmental awareness.—Cheryl Blevens - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 10/15/2024 This companion to The Case of the Strange Splash (2023) finds duck-tective Willow Feathers McBeaver charged with locating Franny the frog's missing son, Tad. She calls on her friends from the Dogwood Pond Squad to help: dad Beaver McBeaver and Harry the catfish scour the pond, while Flitter the dragonfly and Aaron the heron patrol overhead. Eventually they find Tad (although he has transformed and isn't inclined to rush home to Mama); more importantly, they discover a drainage pipe seeping brown liquid that seems to be causing a dangerous blue-green-algae bloom in the pond. Winkler and Oliver's newest early chapter book offers an engaging cast of animal characters, clearly presented mystery clues, and a gently delivered environmental message. Santat's vividly hued, quirky illustrations feature expressive eyes and often exaggerated facial expressions that pick up on the text's humor. Greens and browns predominate, making Willow's bright-yellow figure fairly pop off the page. Short chapters, an easily readable font, and illustrations on every spread add to the appeal of this accessible series. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.