Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/01/2021 PreS-Gr 2—Asa, with brown skin and coppery hair, is a big kid now—he's going outside to play by himself for the first time. Only, everything outside is so big! The trees, the sky, and the backyard itself make him feel so very small. In time, Asa discovers that he is indeed bigger than a lot of things, including a rabbit, a dog, a bee, and even an ant. His quiet contemplation of all things in nature is both soothing and inspiring; Asa's wide brown eyes capture the beauty of the backyard world, both large and small. Crews's textured and collaged illustrations create a sense of nostalgia and whimsy, especially at the end when we can all relate as Asa remembers he enjoys being a little kid again. VERDICT This is a nice addition to story hours about relativity, size comparisons, and schoolyard science lessons.—Amanda C. Buschmann, Carroll Elem. Sch., Houston - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2022 *Starred Review* In this charming picture book, a young Black boy goes outside to play before breakfast. Encouraged by his clearly loving parents, who proclaim him a big kid, he goes out to the yard on his own. At first, he feels small compared to the sky, the trees, and the backyard. Then, he finds that he is bigger than many things: his dog and cat, his rabbit, a scary bee, and a busy ant. He enjoys observing his surroundings while feeling big and confident, if a bit nervous about the bee. And though he knows he can use his bigness to crush the ant with a foot, he decides not to, and watches it work instead. At last, when he is lifted inside by his mother, the narrator is happy to still be small. The illustrations incorporate elements of collage that pop with color and texture. A blue-dotted sweatshirt, yellow boots, leafy trees, a tiny ant, and the little boy's hair are all depicted with charm and care. Crews captures the joy of early childhood exploration in a book that adults and children can both enjoy. Her relaxed portrayal of a loving family and the boy's universally relatable activities only add to the appeal. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.