Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2017 PreS-Gr 2—Lizzie adores her imaginative older sister and craves some alone time with her. Unfortunately, Jane is always busy—with friends, homework, soccer practice, ballet, piano lessons, and karate. The only free day in her week seems to be Saturday, and so she finally agrees to some special sister time. In the meantime, Lizzie plans a big surprise. Instead of cheering Jane on at soccer practice, Lizzie sketches dragons; instead of twirling alongside Jane at ballet class, Lizzie draws sugarplum fairies. She is busy all week working on her Jane-inspired decorations. Mom helps her bake her sister's favorite muffins, but when Lizzie knocks on her big sibling's door, where is Jane? It turns out Jane was busy making her own sister surprise at Emma's house—matching glittery "sister" T-shirts. When Jane sees Lizzie's elaborate, hand-crafted celebration, she exclaims, "You didn't just write a story… You made a whole lot of magic. You have a great imagination." "It runs in the family," replies the elated youngster. The digitally rendered illustrations feature many full spreads of the busy, creative brunettes, who indeed look like sisters. Lizzie's drawings come to life as fanciful, life-size shadows that only she can see. VERDICT Sisters will enjoy this sweet solution to an all too common problem. A solid addition to large collections.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.