Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 09/01/2018 Shakespeare and Co. tells its own story in this charming book that introduces children to Paris, famous authors, and the American woman who brought them together in a bookshop that became “a magical spot.” Readers follow Sylvia Beach as she finds the place, fills it with books she loves, and makes the shop a meeting place for the likes of Ernie, arriving back from Spain; Gertrude spouting, “A rose is a rose”; and Simone telling Man Ray it’s a new world. Burleigh narrates in rhyme, which grabs the liveliness of the moment but occasionally becomes singsong. However, it’s amazing how much information he gets into the text and in such a child-friendly way. Wu’s digital artwork is clever and creative, catching Parisian light in both day- and nighttime scenes and capturing the frisson of a meeting place where ideas crash into each other. The back matter adds history and introduces the shop’s patrons (identified by first names in the book). Most of all, this celebrates books and shows how the world widens with one in hand. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2018 PreS-Gr 3—A famous Parisian bookshop tells readers about the marvelous woman who brought it to life and the people that gathered there. When Sylvia Beach first sees her shop it is dusty, quiet, and dark, but she soon lines the shelves with piles and piles of books and brings it to life. Sylvia knows the power of stories and wants to build a place to share them with the world. She names her bookshop "Shakespeare and Company," and soon it becomes a meeting place for many well-known thinkers and writers who come to talk, debate, and share their ideas with each other. The rhyming text gives the story a magical, fairy-tale feel that's complemented well by the artist's Impressionist style. The scenes that cut away to fantastic worlds and imaginary landscapes pouring out from Sylvia's precious books are especially marvelous. Though some references might be too obscure for younger readers they are likely to catch the notice of adults. The text and illustrations work well to convey the excitement and fortuity felt by those who frequented Sylvia's bookshop. Endpapers include a "Hurrah for Books and Bookstores!" section, information about the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and some facts about the writers mentioned in the story. VERDICT A delightful celebration of a brave and entrepreneurial young woman and her illustrious bookshop. Recommended for purchase for larger collections.—Laken Hottle, Providence Community Library - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.