Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 01/20/2025 Via emphatic lines that celebrate the everyday efforts fueling accomplishments big and small, Kulekjian and Gonz?lez Hoang cheer readers on in this jubilant picture book. Artwork-a clean-edged naif mix of colored pencil, gouache, and digital techniques-adds a narrative element through lively depictions of kids putting themselves out there. On one page, a child using forearm crutches hikes with a caregiver: "When extra steps/ add up to extra miles/ and nothing stops you.// YAY!" Elsewhere, two youths wearing lab coats handle colored liquids in a chemistry flask, resulting in a rainbow explosion: "Always, there are surprises.// YAY!" While many of the featured activities involve physical movement, inclusion of a board game touches on winning and losing, a baking scene gestures toward experimentation, and opening and closing moments embrace academic firsts and lasts. Poised to offer big encouragement, the creators’ rallying takeaway resounds: YAY! Characters are portrayed with various abilities, body types, and skin tones. Ages 3-6. (Apr.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 03/28/2025 K-Gr 2—A buoyant celebration of perseverance, growth, and finding joy in every moment. The simple, rhythmic text follows a cohort of children navigating a school year filled with successes and setbacks, encouraging readers to embrace all experiences. Whether winning or learning, being cheered on or standing alone, a refrain of "YAY!" threads throughout the narrative. Hoang's textured illustrations and rich, vibrant color palette create a warm and encouraging atmosphere. The expressive characters and varied compositions, ranging from full-bleed spreads to intimate vignettes, enhance the book's universal appeal. Notably, the artwork captures a diverse range of children, reinforcing the message of persistence and positivity. Details, such as eye shapes, hairstyles, clothing, accessories, and a range of skin tones reflect both individuality and cultural representation, making the illustrations feel authentic and inclusive. One particularly striking image thoughtfully depicts a child summiting a hiking trail using forearm crutches, accompanied by a service dog. The book's design balances elegantly sparse text with vivid imagery, allowing young readers to engage visually while reinforcing the empowering message. Ideal for story-hour read-alouds or discussions on growth mindset, the work encourages children to celebrate all aspects of their journey. VERDICT A celebratory, visually engaging book that highlights resilience and affirmation, this is perfect for libraries looking to inspire an uplifting sense of "can-do" in young readers.—Rose Garrett - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.