Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/01/2015 This deceptively simple picture book packs an emotional wallop. A very content, very compatible elephant couple quietly go about their lives, planning and building, but come to realize something is missing: “We think of you.” They determine that they are ready for change, so they start making preparations for a new arrival. “But you never come. And everything stops.” Simple declarative sentences continue the narrative, as the elephant couple patiently wait. Happily, a baby finally arrives with a earth-shaking rumble and a roar of joy and contentment. The soft watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations complement the wistful, quiet tone. Young audiences will appreciate this confirmation of parental love and being part of a family, while older siblings will likely pick up on feelings of impatience or anticipation when preparing for the arrival of new family members. Not many picture books address the challenges of childbearing, and this may resonate for families with older parents or those who struggled to have children. Readers of all ages will appreciate the combined messages of affirmation, hope, and reassurance. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 02/01/2015 PreS-Gr 3—An elephant couple is content just being together: living by the sea, traveling, and enjoying their closeness. In the back of their minds is the tiny glimmer of a desire for a child, but the two want to share other experiences before having a baby. Once they decide to expand their family, things do not go as planned and they become discouraged as their longed-for child remains a dream. Softly hued watercolor, pen, and ink illustrations are sweet, revealing the cheerfulness of the couple that slowly turns to disappointment and then resignation. Dreams/wishes/prayers are shown in colorful confettilike swirls that diminish in size as their hopes continue to remain unfulfilled and then explode like a sunburst at the satisfying conclusion, showing a baby elephant arriving via boat to the couple after a tumultous storm. The open-ended nature of the text and illustrations make this picture book useful as a general parent-child read-aloud or as a gentle entree into the subject of adoption. VERDICT The heartache and delight revealed in this charming tale will resonate with parents who have experienced similar circumstances.—Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.