Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 05/26/2025 The protagonist of this identity-focused picture book, a snow kid created and named "Twig" by a bunch of human children, begins their "frozen and silent" life sporting a jaunty top hat. Though Twig "sounded like a good thing to be," a wind’s whisking away the hat kicks off a series of changes that inspire curiosity around the character’s sense of self. Digital artwork in blues, pinks, purples, and reds evokes the exhilarating chill of a winter’s day as Sima (Cookie Time) follows Twig on a chapeau search that turns into a moving journey of self-discovery ("Am I Twig?... Twig wore a very fine hat"). Twig discovers they can walk and talk, and experiences setbacks- a snowballing hill tumble, a deer snacking on their carrot nose-that represent opportunities for forward movement. Finally, Twig reaches a clearing filled with joyful snow people, each "as beautiful and unique as the snowflakes they were made from." Awakened to new possibilities, the protagonist adds icy cat ears, crafts a twig tutu, and confidently, comfortably creates a fitting expression of self: "I am Twig." It’s a gentle, reassuring allegory that warmly celebrates iterative becoming. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4-8. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (Sept.) - Copyright 2025

Booklist - 09/01/2025 Sima (Perfectly Pegasus, 2022) presents a tender, visually captivating picture book that gently explores identity, change, and self-discovery through the charming journey of Twig, a snow person built by human children on a winter’s day. At first, Twig is confident in who they are: made of snow, sticks, stones, and topped with a very fine hat. But when a strong breeze steals the hat, Twig begins a transformative adventure full of questions: Can they still be Twig without it? What if they talk, walk, or grow? Sima’s text is thoughtful and reassuring, offering readers a heartfelt allegory about identity’s fluidity. As Twig stumbles, rolls, and adapts—losing parts, gaining others—they grow in confidence and wonder, eventually finding a joyful community of snow people who, like them, are “as unique as the snowflakes they were made from.” Digitally rendered in cool blue, pink, and purple hues, Sima’s illustrations shimmer with wintry magic while enhancing Twig’s emotional journey. A delightful celebration of becoming, belonging, and embracing change. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.