Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2018 PreS-Gr 3—Set against the backdrop of a pick-up baseball game, Wiesner's nearly wordless picture book expertly layers elements of relatable emotion, boundless imagination, eye-popping action, and out-and-out fun. When a lonely boy approaches a group of kids milling around the chain-link backstop, he is quickly sized up by the team captain and sent to the outfield. A crack of the bat later, a fly ball is hurtling its way toward the youngster, who enthusiastically calls out, "I got it!" Easier said than done, as all manner of fantastical obstacles throw themselves in his pathway—everything from suddenly sprouting tree branches to impossible shifts in size (of both ball and boy). Never fear, perseverance and determination win out in the end, and the young protagonist, eyes shining brightly, arm fully extended, and glove reaching to blue sky, is triumphant ("I GOT IT!"). Created in acrylic, gouache, and watercolor, Wiesner's beautifully composed paintings realistically portray his characters, their activities, and their social interactions, making the flights of fancy all the more effective. Any reader who has ever experienced the seemingly endless wait for a fly ball to descend into their open glove (along with the always-present possibility of disaster) will relate to this story. VERDICT A mesmerizing and entertaining offering that will be enjoyed by a broad audience. A must-have addition to sports shelves.—Joy Fleishhacker, Pikes Peak Library District, Colorado Springs - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.