Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2023 In this handsomely illustrated picture book, animals with unique physical qualities speak directly to readers, explaining how their special attributes help them survive. The text is straightforward and follows a pleasing format, using simple statements to identify seemingly strange characteristics and to explain what they do and why they're helpful, followed by the animal's name. Each critter gets either a full-page or a facing spread to themselves, which not only emphasizes the relatively minimal text (My large nose keeps out dust and helps me breathe. I am a saiga antelope) but also lets the striking digital-woodblock illustrations take center stage. Subjects range from familiar species (blobfish, narwhal, blue-footed booby) to more exotic choices (babirusa, hummingbird hawk-moth). The book ends with additional information on the range, habitat, and diet of all 20 featured animals, a glossary, and a brief bibliography. There's no such thing as too many books about animals, and this offering works equally well as a supplementary animal diversity resource or as a read-aloud. Animal enthusiasts will be enthralled. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.