Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2020 PreS-Gr 2—All the days of the week got along just fine until Mr. Holiday waltzed into town. In Nelson's debut, brightly colored, anthropomorphized shapes represent each day of the week, each with its own personality. Monday, the yellow square, is upset when the blue triangle Holiday takes over the beginning of the week. While the other days are excited by the chance to party, Monday feels ignored and left out. The group splits when Holiday reveals that his plan is to stay for the entire week, and several more days join in with Monday's discontent. After Monday politely explains why their feelings are hurt, Holiday agrees to come back every once in a while, and only with advance notice. This charming story follows a trend of picture books about anthropomorphized concepts. The interloper Holiday does not have bad intentions, and quickly apologizes after realizing the harm he has caused. The illustrations are done with cut paper and digital collage, making the book feel childlike and approachable. A full page featuring Monday's angry face stands out and a spread of Holiday's party shows exceptional use of detail in a seemingly simple medium. VERDICT A unique and enjoyable story about conflict resolution. Recommended for purchase.—Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.