Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 07/01/2018 Gr 1–4—The latest from the creators of Vincent Can't Sleep and The Noisy Paint Box is a stunning picture book that pays tribute to Marc Chagall. Captivated by the scenes of everyday life as seen "through the window," this book mimics his sometimes dreamlike and whimsical paintings through text and image. Each page reveals what Chagall might have observed as a child; Rosenstock and Grandpré pay homage to his signature artistic style, which blended traditional folklore, scenes of everyday life in his hometown of Vitebsk, and most notably, his deep Jewish faith. Later in his life, Chagall began experimenting with stained glass, producing works that emulate a sense of contemplation, peace, and healing. The illustrations capture the meditative, colorful, and sacred nature of Chagall's work while still remaining recognizable and accessible to young readers. The book excellently connects Chagall's spiritual process as an artist with the historical and social challenges he faced as a Jew at the dawn of World War I, and to this end, includes author's notes for historical context at the book's conclusion. VERDICT A winning tribute to an artist who inspired the world that will please readers of all ages.—Natalie Romano, Denver Public Library - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2018 *Starred Review* With poetic language and whimsical pictures, Rosenstock and GrandPré have completely captured the beauty of Marc Chagall’s life and art. Using windows as a framing device both in the prose and illustrations, they mimic the highlights of his career as he looks out at life in Russia, Paris, and the U.S. Elements of the artist’s paintings and stained-glass work repeat throughout, as seemingly soaring and weightless as his recurring images of fiddlers, birds, and flying horses. GrandPré, whose illustrations will feel comfortingly familiar to young fans of her Harry Potter spot art, also emphasizes Chagall’s strong profile and sweet smile, making him seem approachable to children who may see themselves in the observant boy and man. Brilliant endpapers and an essential author’s note, which adds crucial, solid biographical information, help make this a book to be savored. Add in source material and the inclusion of several of Chagall’s works in the afterword, and its usefulness to students is apparent. Rosenstock and GrandPré have collaborated before on books about artists, first with the Caldecott Honor Book The Noisy Paint Box? (2014), about Vasily Kandinsky, and again with Vincent Can’t Sleep? (2017), about Van Gogh. Let’s hope they find more artists to celebrate together. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.