Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 11/01/2021 In 2015, at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, twin cubs were born to Mei Xiang, a giant panda. Though one cub did not survive, the other grew and thrived. His name is Bei Bei, meaning “precious treasure” in Mandarin Chinese. The first half of this fully illustrated book follows the cub through his first year, having health checks with the zoo staff, learning to climb trees, beginning to eat bamboo, and curiously watching visitors. The book’s second half shows him separated from his mother and living independently at the zoo after 18 months and, as a 4-year-old, moving to China. While the use of many clear color photos is an asset in introducing Bei Bei and his surroundings to viewers, the light, bamboo-patterned overlay on some shots is distracting. The text, captions, and sidebars carry basic information and fun facts about giant pandas, including a discussion of China’s successful, worldwide panda breeding and reintroduction program and an explanation of what makes pandas look so endearing. An appealing introduction to the giant panda. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 12/01/2021 Gr 2–4—In August 2015, the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC, celebrated the arrival of a baby giant panda named Bei Bei. Through decades of research and a collaboration with panda experts in China, American zoologists had the knowledge necessary to ensure that Bei Bei survived and thrived. Bei Bei quickly became a celebrity around the world, and his success story accomplished another step in the ongoing process of preserving the beloved species. Complex sentences make up the paragraphs describing Bei Bei's behaviors and history, informing children of the many considerations involved in protecting pandas worldwide. Full-color photographs appear alongside the text, drawing in readers with their vivid and striking visuals. Even before children are able to absorb the entirety of the text, the images will grab their attention and inspire them to learn more. Panda facts appear throughout and use Bei Bei's story as a springboard to educate about pandas in general. Though there is no glossary or index, readers will nonetheless learn about the giant panda through the story of Bei Bei and his appeal to people around the globe. VERDICT An informative and eye-catching book that is well suited to confident elementary school-age readers with an interest in pandas.—Mary Lanni, Douglas County Lib., CO - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.