Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 12/15/2021 Tiny (a small, white rabbit) is having a big party and can’t find Bina Bear anywhere. Every time Tiny thinks they have found Bina Bear, it turns out to be the big, purple bear disguised as a lamp. Or a table. Or a tree. Or—a crying bag of groceries? Discovered, Bina Bear admits she is hiding because she doesn’t like parties; she came, though, because Tiny is her friend. Together, they hide in solidarity from the rest of the partygoers. Inclusion and representation are always present in Curato’s thoughtful picture books, and this story is a sweet, sincere, and playful approach to discussing shyness. And while Curato is constantly expanding and evolving stylistically as an artist—leaning here toward a more bubbly, purple-and-yellow, color-popping cartoonishness than in his earlier, more realistic work—the heart of his books remains consistently warm. He has created the same gorgeous, intimate friendship here between Bina Bear and Tiny that Little Elliot has with Mouse in that beloved series, and the story is both a discussion piece and a giggly treat. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/22/2022 PreS-K—Tiny the rabbit is throwing a party but cannot find Bina Bear. Bina is hiding, disguising herself as a lamp, a table, a tree, a chair, a bookshelf, and finally and most unconvincingly, as groceries. The mounting absurdity is heightened by the two characters continuing to interact, with Bina repeatedly claiming that she is not Bina. As the silliness hits its peak, the story takes a hard swerve into sensitivity, and the shift nails a satisfying emotional landing. When Tiny asks if she's okay, Bina tearfully admits that she does not like parties. Tiny does not try to convince Bina to step outside of her comfort zone or to be brave. The little rabbit simply offers affection and validation. When Tiny joins Bina in hiding from the rest of the party, the book reverts to silliness while simultaneously showing what it means to stand in solidarity with a friend. "Little Elliot" series creator Curato masterfully blends humor and pathos to create a sincere story celebrating unconditional acceptance. The pair's emotional journey is powerfully represented through color. The house and partygoers are all breezy pastels, Tiny the white rabbit often stands against a sunny yellow background, and in stark contrast to everything else is Bina, the dark purple bear. Tiny's comfort envelops Bina in yellow, and a moment of panic is expressed in electric neon pink. The last illustration of the two animals, dancing while still wearing lampshades on their heads, reassures young readers that the pair found a way to enjoy the party together. This book would prove an excellent prompt for classroom discussion as well as a vibrant read aloud. VERDICT A gloriously simple and funny story of empathy, recommended for first purchase.—Elizabeth Lovsin - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.