Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2026 PreS-Gr 2—Kim's charming debut invites young readers to observe the sleep rituals of canine companions. The text chronicles each step in a dog's preparations for slumber: finding the perfect spot (hard, squishy, or somewhere in-between), adjusting temperature and light conditions, and settling into a preferred position, from "the Donut" to "the Potato" to "the Dead Bug." As the narrative progresses, the language shifts into a calming meditation, with gentle instructions for deep breathing and stretching that double as a bedtime routine for young listeners. The illustrations, rendered in wax pastels, soft pastels, colored pencils, and gouache radiate warmth and endearing texture. The dogs—a diverse array of breeds, sizes, and abilities—are depicted with expressive faces and improbable (yet familiar) sleeping positions that will resonate with dog lovers. Spreads transition from sun-drenched yellows and greens to deep purples and blues as sleepy time approaches, reinforcing the soothing, soporific mood. The hand-drawn quality feels refreshingly tactile in an increasingly digital landscape of picture books. Readers will delight in the playful details—chalkboard "studies" of sleepy dogs, squishiness ratings, dream sequences that glow like constellations—while also feeling lulled by the book's gentle pacing and inviting layouts. VERDICT A gentle, observational picture book that doubles as a bedtime wind-down for dog lovers; a strong addition to bedtime story collections or even quiet-down story hours.—Rose Garrett - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2026 Dogs can go from a wild romp to a deep sleep in a matter of minutes, and there’s an adorable art to it all. A pup must find the perfect spot for a snooze, whether it’s a soft bed or a sun-warmed rock. Some may opt for the heat of the crackling fire, while others might prefer the coolness of a darkened closet. Once the spot is selected, the prerequisite stretching and circling commence, and only then can a pup comfortably settle down into one of many darling positions, from the classic curled donut to the humorous “dead bug” (a dog on its back with four legs in the air). The gentle story is sure to become a fast favorite among animal lovers, and it’s easy to imagine readers imitating the playful poses during a read-aloud or winding down with the dogs at bedtime. Softly textured illustrations are imbued with a wonderful warmth and sense of humor, from comical diagrams to hand-lettered text framing frantic movement. A true treat from tip to tail. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.