Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 12/08/2025 Via artwork that evokes the peppy boldness of vintage screen-printed posters and a horizontal format that turns "learning to be a big kid!" into a full stage-show, Awan (Every Monday Mabel) zeroes in on a common milestone on the wobbly path to maturation. A determined child, sporting a teal hoodie that frames their orange skin and black hair, navigates the pride and peril of wearing their first pair of "big-kid shoes"-red sneakers with laces. Trouble is, those laces keep coming undone, and bought with "room to grow," the untied kicks are inclined to slip off. But the young narrator refuses to dwell on frustration, breaking the fourth wall with indomitable enthusiasm to demonstrate lace-tying and offer steadiness in the face of setbacks: "It’s okay-I’m still learning." Memories of earlier victories- managing to swing without a push, conquering the tall slide, tackling the merry-go-round with ease-bolster the child’s self-assurance in this confidence-boosting work about the monumental nature of early accomplishments. Ages 4-8. Agent: Erica Rand Silverman, Stimola Literary. (Mar.) - Copyright 2025

Booklist - 03/01/2026 This charming picture book celebrates the small-but-mighty milestones of childhood and the growth that comes with learning something new. The story follows a determined child who keeps losing their shoes and responds by tying them tighter, convinced that with enough effort, they can do better. Because these are their very first sneakers with laces, the challenge feels monumental, and the child’s pride in becoming a “big kid” shines through on every page. Bright, cheerful illustrations perfectly match the tone, capturing both the seriousness of the child’s mission and the humor of the outcome. Readers are brought along step-by-step as the child carefully explains how to tie their shoes, only to discover that the result isn’t quite what was intended. The child remains unfazed by each small setback, modeling the idea that progress doesn’t happen in a straight line. Sweet, relatable, and quietly empowering, this book is an excellent tool for teaching persistence and resilience. A solid addition to any children’s library. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/27/2026 PreS-Gr 2—This story turns a small, everyday struggle of learning to tie shoelaces into a grand, emotionally resonant adventure. Awan, a Caldecott Honor and Geisel Honor winner, captures the exact frequency of a child's pride and the sudden, wobbling panic when things don't go as planned. The story follows a child with tan skin and dark hair who has finally graduated to "big-kid shoes." The only problem? They are a little too big, and the laces just won't stay tied. What follows is a fast-paced, "looping" narrative where the hero swings between the triumph of a successful knot and the frustration of a shoe slipping off again. The illustration uses a vibrant, vintage screen-print aesthetic—bold golds, turquoises, and reds pop off the page. The horizontal format is used brilliantly to mimic the energy of a playground. The character moves across the page with a frenetic, joyful energy that feels very much like a real five-year-old. The repetition in the text mirrors the way children actually learn. Awan's book doesn't lecture; it demonstrates that failing and re-tying are just parts of the same process. The magic of this story is its emotional calibration. It respects how monumental even a small setback feels to a child. When the shoe goes missing, the resulting meltdown feels understandable and realistic. It's a book about perseverance that feels like a conversation rather than a lesson. VERDICT A colorful, high-energy, and deeply empathetic book, perfect for children currently battling their own loops.—Tara Rollins - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.