Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/15/2023 With delightfully rhyming text and brightly colored illustrations, this breezy picture book showcases the experiences of two human parents and their newest family member: a baby dragon. The little one enjoys “breathing out fire / wherever he goes,” but when he inadvertently singes Mom’s slipper, the parents are moved to talk about fire safety. Though remorseful and endeavoring to be better, he is, after all, a dragon and sometimes can’t control himself, emitting flames when he's hungry, tuckered out, or even just happily playing. But Mom and Dad are a reassuring presence, not just putting out fires (the results of which comically appear in the artwork) but providing guidance and understanding, too. Davick uses bold shapes and varying perspectives in her cartoon artwork to depict the expressive green dragon’s activities and surroundings, including, somewhat humorously, a toy firetruck. Both sweet and silly, this provides a fanciful, supportive approach to the challenges and joys of “almost brand-new” babies—and their inevitable messes—in a lively read-aloud perfect for newly expanded families. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.