Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2021 PreS-Gr 1—Cookie and Carrot are the best of friends. Carrot is grounded and supportive while Cookie is sweet with a warm personality. Even though they're different, they share their hobbies and teach each other new things. Their friendship is tested when Cookie's friends, Cupcake and Lollipop, say mean things about Carrot. When Cookie doesn't defend Carrot, this makes Carrot not want to hang out with Cookie. Then Carrot's friends, Cuke and Zuke, say mean things about Cookie and the rift between the two friends widens when Carrot doesn't speak up. Carrot and Cookie learn that even though they come from different backgrounds that doesn't mean they can't be good friends. They even gather all of Cookie's family members and both friend groups together to prove that they can get along. The picture book's color scheme is vibrant and colorful for a visually engaging reading experience. The backgrounds creatively use different food items as the building blocks for the setting. The work provides an important lesson about standing up for your friends. It also reminds the audience that they can be friends with all types of people regardless of where they're from or to what food group they belong! It is a timely reminder to respect people from different backgrounds and recognize that the stale ideas of the past shouldn't dictate the future. VERDICT This tale of two unlikely friends is sure to delight.—Myiesha Speight, formerly at Towson Univ., Baltimore - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.