Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/01/2019 Acclaimed poet Singer celebrates the milestones in a young child's life, as well as the more mundane moments, through a series of poems that, like children, are unique, at times unpredictable, and always lively. Some poems fill up two pages (First Big-Kid Party), some are for two voices (First Good Snap, First Good Whistle), some are a series (Trying to Ride, which has three parts scattered throughout the book), and there are often playful surprises in the verse text. On one two-page spread, a poem about a noisy child being quiet in the theater is paired with one about a quiet child becoming loud in the ballpark. All are in first person and celebrate firsts, like ballet or piano recitals (on opposing pages), challenges (trying not to cry), and accomplishments (differing right from left). Christy's digital illustrations in soft pastel hues reflect children and families of all races and cultures. Children are captured mid-step on a bus or mid-pedal on a bike, full of energy and confidence. There's something for every child here. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2019 PreS-Gr 1—A simple yet delightful collection of poems from Singer. The collection features 21 poems highlighting the rights of passage which take us from "little kid" to "big." While not every poem is universal, the collection as a whole has more than enough for most. Even if readers don't ever have a first piano or ballet recital, most are going to lose their baby teeth and learn to tie their shoes. Singer turns the spotlight on challenges that may seem mundane to grown-ups but are incredibly meaningful: learning left from right, taking a first ride on the bus alone, or figuring out what to do around unfamiliar people. The individual poems are short and very approachable; it's clear Singer kept her audience in mind while penning each one. Teachers and caregivers will appreciate the ability to pick up and set aside the book at will, reading only one or two poems or the entire collection in one go. The illustrations, while perhaps not exceptional, are very in-tune with the offering. Soft lines and smudged shapes help to steer the interest level, and the diverse cast is particularly notable. When adults appear in the pages, they are equally diverse and always play a supporting role. VERDICT This encouraging, kid-centric collection of poems is a fun and approachable homage to iconic rights of passage. A general purchase.-Taylor Worley, Springfield Public Library, OR - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.