Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/01/2022 Gr 2–5—Vivid close-up full- or double-page color photographs show a praying mantis on a variety of plants and flowers in search of food. An omniscient observer follows the insect's activities in verse: "If it's hungry/ and it's hunting,/ and if you don't/ go away,/ you might see it/ make a sudden move/ to snatch its prey." Large font is placed directly on the photographs and sometimes called out in a colored strip along one side of the picture. The narrative ends with the praying mantis's nymphs emerging from an egg sac to begin their lives. A brief note at the end provides more information on the type of praying mantis shown and encourages readers to keep an eye out for things in nature—and then to be patient and observe. Amazing detail of the plants—showing petals and pistons—and photographs of the praying mantis combined with rhythmic text will draw readers in. The leap from the mantis eating its prey to hatching nymphs, while skipping over mating, feels a bit disjointed. VERDICT A strong first purchase. This book will have very broad appeal to a variety of ages.—Tamara Saarinen - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/15/2022 Frost and Lieder (Hello, I’m Here! 2019) again team up for a photo-illustrated picture book about wildlife. Frost’s sparely worded, contemplative poem appears on crisp, close-up images of a Chinese praying mantis, and an in-depth closing spread details this creature’s life cycle and habits (adults will have to help with this section). The tone of the poem is one of wonder and mindfulness. “If a quick small movement takes you by surprise, / stop and look—move nothing but your eyes.” A praying mantis can hold still a long time, says Frost, “Can you wait a long time, too?” If you wait, the poem says, you could see many more praying mantises emerging from their hard egg cases, which are described in the back matter. There readers can also learn about what these creatures are doing with their forelegs when they appear to pray (hunting!) and other life-cycle facts. Kids fascinated by backyard wildlife will appreciate this lyrical offering, which will work well in both poetry units and early science classes. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.