Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2023 Gr 3 Up—What is poetry? Alexander and Nikaido use their experiences as poets, authors, illustrators, and teachers to explore the answer to this question. Written as a step-by-step guide, and using language including "first," "next," and "then," the authors teach the art of poetry. Readers are prompted to first ask a question, and then to "listen to the grass, the flowers, the trees—anything that's friends with the sun" to create imagery for their poetry. In this expert manner, the book teaches poetry by tasking students with exploring nature, questions, and ideas in unique ways. Sweet provides exquisite artwork through collage, adding to the layered metaphor of poetry. Young writers may draw inspiration from the illustrations as they embark on their own poetic pursuits. This book can be used as a class read-aloud, a stand-alone reading experience, or an integrated text for writing instruction to inspire and engage young poets. VERDICT Both a teaching tool for writing poetry as well as an ode to poetry itself. Highly recommended.—Tracey Hodges - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2023 *Starred Review* In this companion to How to Read a Book (2019), Alexander, joined by poet Nikaido, once again encourages thoughtful and fun play with words, this time explaining how to write a poem. The text is a poem itself that asks children to “Begin with a question, / Like an acorn / waiting for spring” and continues with visceral prompts, from “listen to the grass, / the flowers, / the trees—anything / That’s friends with the sun” to “discover a cotton candy cavalcade of sounds— / Words raining everywhere,” all of which elicit a connection with one’s senses, emotions, and imagination. An opening quote from Nikki Giovanni, emphasizing that we are all wheels or connectors, much like a bicycle, helps set the overarching metaphor of connection. Sweet’s always colorful, eye-popping collage artwork, in turn, extends the metaphor with illustrations of children interacting with a variety of spheres, lines, and arrows, crafted from vintage and handmade papers, vivid paints and pencils, and even beach pebbles. The book concludes with the ultimate encouragement, “Now, show us what you’ve found,” as a girl appears to be on a unicycle. Upon closer inspection, however, her wheel (and by extension, idea) is connected to an array of other multicolored wheels. An exquisite guide that inspires and encapsulates the essence of poetry. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.