Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/01/2014 K-Gr 2—This first-rate book highlights the beauty and wonder of rain—a seemingly commonplace occurrence—and shows its effects upon the rest of the natural world. In general but lyrical terms, the work explains what raindrops do ("Raindrops settle. They slip. They dot."). The text is accompanied by scenes from a forest rainforest (drops clinging to flowers or spider webs, insects and birds dealing with the downpour). Sayre has created a poetic atmosphere, using rhyming words ("Raindrop spangles/mark angles."), and her vibrant, close-up photographs, which effectively complement the narrative and will engage children and adults alike. The last two spread, titled "A Splash of Science," offer information on the three forms of water (ice, liquid water, and water vapor) and their characteristics. This attractive work is also ideal for read-alouds and an easy entry for students delving into nonfiction reading, especially in poetry or science units. This excellent title will transform how readers think about rain.—Tracey Wong, P.S. 54/Fordham Bedford Academy, Bronx, NY - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 12/01/2014 Raindrops get a close-up treatment in this quietly informative picture book. In gorgeous, page-filling, full-color photos of raindrops on lush greenery, Sayre shows typical water behavior. “It patters” appears on a body of water dimpled by rain. “It fills” accompanies a waxy leaf tenuously cupping a large droplet. “They magnify” pairs with a raindrop distorting the spots on a lily petal. “Raindrops slowly dry” accompanies a picture of a rain-spattered leaf in the sun. Each clearly rendered photo focuses on drops of water as they pool, glob, drip, and slip down leaves and flowers, on beetles and lacy spiderwebs. The spare words altogether are loosely rhythmic, and the simplicity of the motion-based vocabulary is mostly effective at demonstrating what’s happening in the photo. It’s the rich visuals, however, that steal the show. Not only do the photos beautifully capture water in action but they zoom in on things most kids could see in their own backyards or neighborhoods—an especially useful approach for visual or hands-on learners. An author’s note explains the water cycle in more detail. - Copyright 2014 Booklist.