Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 Gr 1–3—The late, great MacLachlan offers a quiet pastoral celebration of New Year's Eve. It is the last night of the year and Tim and Tom, two Percheron horses with gleaming black coats, are excited to be a part of the celebration. First, they head to the market where they pull children around the town in a colorful sleigh. Then, they head to the manor house where they pull grandparents, aunts, uncles, and old friends through the snowy fields. The children and adults are varying skin colors, and one woman is shown wearing a hijab. The blue-hued illustrations transport readers into serene scenery filled with snow. While each scene is washed in cool tones, the lights in the illustrations seem to glow. The details of the collage illustrations are fabulously detailed and intricate, with the clothing on the characters showing many unique patterns. The lacy paper details as snow on the trees are particularly beautiful. VERDICT A sweet, careful book. For communities seeking a unique take on New Year's Eve.—V. Lynn Christiansen - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 11/01/2022 *Starred Review* On New Year’s Eve, two large, gentle horses named Tim and Tom greet Jenny’s arrival with excitement. Leading them out of the barn, their driver puts on their bridles, hitches them to a large, red sleigh, and turns on its twinkling lights. They walk toward town to the sound of jingling bells and take on their passengers. Children, dressed for the cold night, enjoy riding through town, over the bridge, and back home again. Next, the older residents from “the manor” climb aboard to ride, while talking, laughing, and sharing childhood memories. Afterward, Jenny, Tim, and Tom return home. And the next morning, the townsfolk awaken to a sunny day and trumpets proclaiming a “happy New Year.” In the subtitle, “First Night” refers to the custom in certain communities of celebrating New Year’s Eve with local cultural events. MacLachlan’s lyrical text is a pleasure to read aloud and it works beautifully with the vibrant collage illustrations, created “with handmade papers and inks.” Magical in its ability to conjure the brightness of the snow-covered hills, the crisp clarity of cold air, and the upbeat spirit shared by young and old alike, Archer's artwork recreates classic winter landscapes, brightened at night by sparkling lights. A brilliantly colorful, seasonal picture book. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

Booklist - 11/01/2022 *Starred Review* On New Year’s Eve, two large, gentle horses named Tim and Tom greet Jenny’s arrival with excitement. Leading them out of the barn, their driver puts on their bridles, hitches them to a large, red sleigh, and turns on its twinkling lights. They walk toward town to the sound of jingling bells and take on their passengers. Children, dressed for the cold night, enjoy riding through town, over the bridge, and back home again. Next, the older residents from “the manor” climb aboard to ride, while talking, laughing, and sharing childhood memories. Afterward, Jenny, Tim, and Tom return home. And the next morning, the townsfolk awaken to a sunny day and trumpets proclaiming a “happy New Year.” In the subtitle, “First Night” refers to the custom in certain communities of celebrating New Year’s Eve with local cultural events. MacLachlan’s lyrical text is a pleasure to read aloud and it works beautifully with the vibrant collage illustrations, created “with handmade papers and inks.” Magical in its ability to conjure the brightness of the snow-covered hills, the crisp clarity of cold air, and the upbeat spirit shared by young and old alike, Archer's artwork recreates classic winter landscapes, brightened at night by sparkling lights. A brilliantly colorful, seasonal picture book. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.