Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/27/2023 PreS-K—A lesson of perseverance combined with comic illustrations should make this popular with preschoolers. Two earthbound birds, not realistically identifiable, are absolutely adorable as they look enviously at their fellow birds in flight. One panel shows the birds scheming towards flight and features a bird working out—delightful. But at the core, this is a book about the power of "yet." These characters truly are unflappable, showing the importance of action in chasing a dream. It's not enough to hope for a result; they work for it. In their quest, the birds experiment and endure with immediate and inspiring optimism. Even though they fail, and fail, and fail again, they are not discouraged and press forward toward the day their dreams come true. Even though there's an unfortunate bit of worm slander (why disparage the poor worms?), the theme of persistence rings strong. VERDICT With simple words and simple drawings, this picture book is a good starter pack for instilling a growth mindset in preschoolers or very young children.—Cat McCarrey - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.