Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2022 K-Gr 2—The young Mapmaker has dreamed of going to faraway places. He loves to collect and study maps, and most of all, he loves to make them. A request from a young girl to draw a map of "the perfect place. A place that's toes-in-the-sand, wrapped-up-in-a-towel warm" leads them to explore their neighborhood. Beginning at the public library "where the sunshine can find us," the girl guides him to the local bakery that "smells like my birthday," then on to the playground, where "I can zip like a dragonfly." The Mapmaker has drawn maps of countries, deserts, and oceans, but he had never drawn "a map of home." The author's note points to her son's geographic drawings for inspiration. Watercolor paints in primary colors are outlined with pencil to portray the Mapmaker, the young girl (who are both white), and their neighborhood. Pair with similar picture books concerned with searching and finding the perfect recipe for happiness including Cynthia Platt's A Little Bit of Love, Derek Anderson's Gladys Goes Out to Lunch, and Christophe Loupi's Hugs and Kisses and Wiggles.VERDICT This story can be read aloud to a group and equally enjoyed as a lap book, as part of a mapmaking lesson or a story time focused on exploring the neighborhood.—Monica Fleche - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/15/2022 A boy known as the Mapmaker sits in his tree house working when a girl arrives and asks him to create a map of “the perfect place.” He asks questions to define her vision, but her answers, such as “toes-in-the-sand warm,” “smells like my birthday,” and “sunshine finds me, even if I’m not outdoors,” leave him baffled. When she suggests going out to explore, he loads his backpack and follows. They visit the library, the bakery, the playground at the park, and her home. Suddenly inspired, the Mapmaker unpacks his tools and draws a carefully measured sketch on paper. Using markers, the girl brightens it with colors. Together, they create a large, detailed map of her home and neighborhood. Kids can use the map to retrace the character’s steps through the story, which is written with childlike gravity and imagination. Created with gouache and pencil, the illustrations feature soft colors, a beautifully textured look, and appealing character portrayals. Suggested activities, including ideas for creating a neighborhood map, are appended. An inviting read-aloud choice for home or classroom. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.