Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 10/01/2025 Channeling Maurice Sendak and Crockett Johnson, Kung tells the story of a young girl who uses art to soothe uncomfortable emotions. Like Sendak’s Max, Nunu is sent to her room, her rage exploding in a torrent of passion—she slams doors, throws objects, and tears up a yellow origami house. After her initial tantrum has passed, she pulls a paper boat out of her backpack and sails away on an ocean. But instead of discovering an island of monsters, Nunu finds herself alone on a wild sea. In place of a purple crayon, she uses the art of origami to construct myriad creatures that provide comfort. She calms and eventually rebuilds the origami house she initially destroyed, bringing her back to the loving arms of her caregiver. Kung’s lush watercolor illustrations perfectly reflect Nunu’s emotions. Shadowy grays and blues eventually make way to a warmer palette infused with patches of light as she makes her way to calmer waters. A strong choice for SEL collections geared toward children navigating difficult feelings. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.