Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/01/2014 PreS-Gr 2—For many people, a windstorm might be reason to stay inside safe and sound. However, the family in this book looks at a windy day as an adventurous day for kite-flying fun. Simple, rhythmic two-word phrases appear on each page in four-line stanza. "When the wind blows" repeats every three stanzas to create a dependable structure in this poetic text. Strong verbs such as "whistles," "flicker," "swish," and "clang" allow readers to experience the blustery day with sounds, feeling, and imagery. The rhythm of the book seems to mimic the steady blow of the wind on each page. Young readers will enjoy following the story in the supporting gorgeous watercolor images as they watch the winds pick up speed, sending the family on a wild chase trying to catch their kite, and making a groom lose his hat on his wedding day. Older readers can dive deep into the rich language of each page. This story line spans multiple pages, and readers will enjoy looking for the hat and kite throughout the book. Each illustration supports the text with each noun appearing in the image with many additional details, which can offer young readers an "I spy" opportunity on each page. As the rain and wind pick up, the family makes its way back inside to the familiar routines of getting ready for bed. This book will be a great bedtime story, and educators will appreciate the descriptive language when teaching creative writing and poetry. A welcome addition to collections.—Andy Plemmons, David C. Barrow Elementary, Athens, GA - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/15/2015 This picture-book tribute to windy days features satisfying, singsongy rhyming couplets that creatively describe a variety of windblown neighborhood adventures. Beginning with basic descriptors (“Windows rattle. / Doors creeaaak. / Chimes sing. / We peek”), the action tracks Mom, Grandma, a young boy, and his toddler sister as they fly kites, visit the seashore, splash in puddles, chase after hats, and dodge raindrops. Bright, warm hues welcome the family home just as a storm hits, and then it’s time for baths, stories, and bed. All four thoroughly enjoy their blustery day, demonstrating delight in one another and with the changing weather. Each stanza consists of four two-word sentences. The rhymes are fresh and unpredictable, and the narrative maintains a crisp rhythm throughout. Christy’s illustrations align closely with the text, effectively capturing swirling winds, swinging signs, and swaying tree branches. Pair this with Helen Cox Cannons’ nonfiction title Wind (2014) to create an enticing and bracing introduction to spring weather for young readers. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.