Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2022 K-Gr 2—A young girl introduces readers to her school, which on the surface appears to be a small building with only a chalkboard and a few chairs. Students come from different directions to this small school and are greeted by the teacher, who is soon revealed to be the reason this school is so special. As the children head outside for a day of exploration, the teacher begins to point out the magnificent dinosaurs that are all around them—a brontosaurus hidden among the trees near the river, pterodactyls flying above and blocking the sun, an incredible T. rex thundering through the woods. The children stop and draw each of these dinosaurs; by the time they reach the school at the end of the day, each child has a big stack. The teacher waves goodbye, and the young girl walks home, thinking about her little school full of so much, thanks to the teacher. Concise Spanish text conveys feelings of excitement and amazement, along with a charming sense of peace. The white sky at times contrasts sharply with the surroundings, and the lush greenery and characters come to the forefront. Bold black outlines further emphasize the characters, bringing their colorful clothing and expressive faces into focus. Several spreads reveal immense dinosaurs that will elicit giggles. There's a diversity of representation in this class, with students presenting as Black, East Asian, South Asian, Latinx, and more. VERDICT A lovely addition to Spanish picture book collections, this excellent title conveys the importance of teachers and of imagination.—Selenia Paz - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.