Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2017 K-Gr 2—Tyler is a tigon. His dad was a tiger and his mother was a lion. No one will play with Tyler because he looks so different from the other animals. Subsequently, lions and tigers tell him to leave and he journeys to a place where he thinks he can be alone. He soon meets a liger named Lyla. She also has lion and tiger features. Tyler finds out that she has also been told to leave because of her unique traits. The two grow close and share a bond. The text in this book darts at an angle and zigzags around central images. The bouncing style of the narrative adds an element of fun and spontaneity for readers. The narrative also has a very comforting rhyme scheme. The story is told in a songlike manner that will capture the attention of younger readers. The illustrations are done in a folk-art style and the pastel colors give the book a dreamlike appearance. Upon close inspection, one can see tiny collage images that flow across the spreads. VERDICT This book encourages children to accept and embrace their differences, and to develop friendships with others who may differ from themselves. Best shared one-on-one and in small group settings.—Deanna Smith, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.