Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/18/2022 PreS-Gr 2—Navigating change, especially familial change, is difficult for most children, and this story of a family expanding to welcome a stepmother explores those inevitable growing pains. For as long as she can remember, Molly's family has been a party of two, just her and her father. Formerly Molly's favorite librarian, Ms. Blue marries her father and is dubbed Ms. Too. The addition of Ms. Too is not welcome to Molly, who was perfectly content with the way things were: messy, lively, and fun. Over time, the two characters find their middle ground, bonding over baking and trips to the zoo. This work stumbles in its use of librarian tropes: a love of cats, a need for order, and a dislike of spontaneity. Ms. Too sloughs these off by the end, but for the majority of the title, she fits a bit too neatly into a box to feel genuine. Ho's illustrations are vibrant and detailed, looking as though they've been plucked from a Pixar storyboard, an aesthetic that is both relatable and appealing. This title will find an audience with those families experiencing similar circumstances. VERDICT Growth and change take time, especially in families, and readers will find familiarity and comfort in the journey.—Sarah Simpson - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/15/2022 Molly’s dad used to pick her up after school and take her to the park or the pool or the zoo. Sometimes they baked cookies together. But that was before he married Ms. Too. Now she takes Molly to those places, but it isn’t the same. Ms. Too doesn’t like to spin on the merry-go-round or splash in the pool. Molly has other grievances, too. Her stepmother changed the wallpaper in the living room, and she’s not much of a cook—she can’t even cut the kiwis right. But she does try. When she struggles to figure out a recipe, Molly steps in to help, and they make cookies together. And gradually, Ms. Too becomes part of Molly’s happy family. The authentic-sounding first-person narration begins with Molly’s complaints, which gradually give way to acceptance of her new family member. From the illustrator of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners (2021), the lively digital artwork makes each character’s feelings clear within settings that are packed with interesting details. A gentle picture book portraying a strong child’s emotions. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2022 - Copyright 2022 Booklist.