Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/01/2019 PreS-Gr 3—This witty, conversational book indeed spans from "the Big Bang to your birthday." This condensed history of the universe covers the planets in our solar system, the watery birth of life on Earth, and the historical patterns of human migration. Bunting's treatment of these complex topics is accessible, and despite the vast scope of the narrative, it never feels unwieldy. Straightforward text and charming, bright illustrations celebrate life, the universe, and all its parts. An author's note emphasizes that all life forms are connected, and encourages readers to care for Earth and its inhabitants. VERDICT A delightful addition to any collection.—Jen McConnel, Queen's University, Ont. - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 11/15/2019 After the big bang, in “about the time it takes to eat an ice cream cone, all the pieces that make up our universe were created.” Those particles formed everything in our solar system. Long afterwards, single-celled life-forms emerged in Earth’s waters. Their descendants became land animals, including, eventually, humans. People roamed the earth, learned to farm, built cities, and had children, including you. The amusing final picture, showing a lineup of one boy and six aliens, comments that “if any little thing had changed” since the big bang, you might be different, too. It’s an ambitious picture book that tackles cosmology, evolution, and prenatal development, and an unusual one that succeeds on all fronts. Here the text is lively, but the explanations of science are oversimplified and sometimes tenuous, particularly regarding the formation of the universe and the emergence of life. Created with gouache and acrylics, the engaging illustrations feature brightly colored particles as well as personified cells and animals making occasional comments in speech balloons. Overall, an appealing picture book. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.