Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2026 PreS-Gr 2—This picture book takes on the subject of a child outgrowing a beloved toy as seen through the reactions of that toy, now relegated to a baby's nursery. Panda is uncomfortable at first and desperate to be rescued, but over time, she finds joy in her new home. Chua's digital illustrations are gentle, with pastel colors showing rounded, cartoonlike characters and their very expressive eyes. Observant readers will notice clues about the family in the background of every page. These pair well with Su's short bits of text over a course of notes from Panda to the child (shown with black hair and tan skin) who abandoned her. The humorous messages include marvelous bits of irony that will appeal to adult readers, and in rereadings, will be discovered and grasped by a young audience. VERDICT This book will appeal to parents and children with new siblings, but it should also be marked out for the SEL shelves to share alongside for the age-old The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.—Stephanie Saggione - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.