Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 12/01/2016 “Be you x 2.” “Dream deeply.” “Breathe.” “Show the world who you are.” Colorful end pages filled with affirmations set the tone for this empowering book. A child of unspecified gender floats, spins, dances, and soars through the pages, celebrating the power of self-expression. Although adults may have reasons for telling a child to “Sit still. Be quiet. Pay attention. Focus,” the child explains, “Sometimes my mind just takes flight.” The story demonstrates that moods and inspiration can change quickly, and an exuberant child may need some time to think quietly, too. As an exploration of emotions, impulses, and creativity, the book could help children identify why they feel the way they do, and help others understand why people may respond to events differently. A four-page gatefold illustration includes 48 small vignettes exploring ways to dream and types of happiness. The message of acceptance and patience comes through clearly, and the exhortation to “carve your own path” and “show the world who you are” will be appreciated by anyone who has ever felt misunderstood. - Copyright 2016 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/01/2017 PreS-Gr 2—A pajama-clad child is a self-proclaimed happy dreamer, good at "daydreams. Big dreams. Little dreams. Creative dreams." The child demonstrates different ways to dream, acknowledging that sometimes dreaming is easy but that there are lonely moments, too. The secret is to find a way out and get back to dreaming. This celebratory book finishes on a motivational note: "But the best way to be a happy dreamer? Just be YOU." The digital illustrations feature loose linework and soft, swirling pastels. As in many of Reynolds's books, the text is hand lettered. A large foldout reveals a plethora of kids participating in various activities: "nature happy," "kindness happy," "civic dream," and "vision dreamer." Although some illustrations pop from the page, others, showing literal visual translations of the text, are less engaging. The work aims to be uplifting and rousing, but the never-ending stream of inspirational keywords and phrases result in a sentimental, clichéd free verse poem. Unfortunately, this title lacks the narrative arc and originality of Reynolds's earlier titles, such as Ish and Sky Color. VERDICT An additional purchase for large libraries, or a lovely graduation gift.—Amy Seto Forrester, Denver Public Library - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.