Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/01/2021 It’s amazing what a few faint facial markings can do for the likability of an iceberg. With two dot eyes and the hint of a mouth, Blue seems happy being stuck to his hulking parents—­until, suddenly, he breaks off and floats away. As he gets lost upon the endless ocean, his determination to return home cracks, even while he enjoys new experiences—­fish, boats, and, finally, warmth, at which point he begins melting into the water, where his little face lingers with worry upon the waves. Snider’s cut-paper art lends lovely texture to the seascape, torn edges effectively adding tension to the water’s surface. “But Blue wasn’t gone. He was changing,” and this tale of a lost child states its purpose, illustrating the basic water cycle as Blue “mixed with the ocean water, evaporated, condensed, and was transformed” before returning to his parents as a big, snowy cloud. Jonker keeps his text and its tale simple, accommodating the youngest audiences and providing a clear framework for the educational component. Charming and effective. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2021 K-Gr 2—An iceberg grows up extremely bonded to his parents until a momentous day when he separates dramatically and begins a journey through the oceans and into the sky as the water cycle plays out. His reunion with his parents is very pleasing and surprising, and while it might strain scientific credulity, who doesn't love a happy ending? Charming, child-friendly illustrations in cut paper, colored pencil, and white ink convey the journey of a young iceberg and the wondrous beauty and variety of vistas along the way. VERDICT There are other books about the water cycle out there but the journey of the individual character and his wonder at the voyage brings an empathetic element that will engage young readers.—John Scott, Friends Sch. of Baltimore - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.