Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2025 PreS-Gr 1—Have readers take a dip in the crowded sea to learn from an anemone. In this nautical tongue-twister, readers follow the humble invertebrate's example to advocate for personal boundaries and consent in hopes of a more harmonious world. Vail supplies melodious rhymes crafted with strong vocabulary, all showcased in a high-contrast font to create what will surely be a hit. Caldecott winner Raschka stuns with a tapestry that has no shortage of eye-catching spreads perfect for large groups. One-on-one readers will undoubtedly practice the story's lesson as they resist reaching out for a more tactile experience enticed by the embroidered artwork. VERDICT A lyrical lesson on personal boundaries with illustrations guaranteed to help enhance young readers' vocabularies and imaginations. A must-buy for story hour shelves.—William Ives - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Other - 05/05/2025 In this standout social-emotional book, Vail’s assonant, songlike rhymes skillfully use a sea anemone to talk about personal space in a way that’s at once empowering and playful. First-person narration takes a kind but firm tone as a yellow-tentacled subject models a mellow assertiveness. Opening with a "humble plea" that others not "boop" it, the "lemony anemone" acknowledges that while many like to be close, "Not all of us find that/ a pleasure, however." Luckily, the good-natured narrator-visually transformed from underwater creature to human child-supplies a simple, emulatable script for moments of space invasion: "NO BOOPING ME!/ I AM// AN ANEMONE!" Raschka’s multi- media fabric artwork creates largely underwater scenes for a tactile effect. The clever art is an ideal partner to highly readable, percussive text that emphasizes the harmony that can arise from respecting others’ spaces and needs. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Back matter includes an author’s note. Ages 4-8. (May) - Copyright 2025