Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2023 PreS-K—Panda never utters a word in Derby's sweet story; the text is the voice of an unseen narrator who opens the tale by asking the cub, "What are we going to do today? Should we build an ice castle?" Just then a bright red-and-gold butterfly, which is about the only spot of color in the black-and-white snow-covered landscape, catches Panda's attention. The youngster becomes fascinated by it and is determined to follow the beautiful insect that has soared over a snow-covered mountain. Panda's stubborn determination to go after the butterfly results in several setbacks as the steep and icy slope proves to be too slippery to scale. Panda tries using sticky sap and small branches to give him some purchase in making the climb, but to no avail. When it's very clear the young animal has his mind set on finding the butterfly, the narrator helps with some useful items. Ice blue, black, and white watercolors with gouache create a striking snowy landscape with some surprise pops of color at sunrise and sunset. The narrator vocalizes the words "Oh, Panda" with varying inflections, conveying different meanings such as frustration, pity, disappointment, and awe. The stand-in for a child is direct and loving; by leaving the narrator invisible, but ever-present, the story is surprisingly empowering without being scary. VERDICT Reminiscent of a human toddler struggling against the odds, the headstrong cub uses his energy and strong will to accomplish what he set out to do in this charming, effective picture book adventure.—Maryann H. Owen - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2023 As the sun peeks over distant mountains, an unseen narrator addresses a plump little cub, “Good morning, Panda. What are we going to do today?” The narrator then suggests building an ice castle, only Panda is distracted by a bright red butterfly fluttering over the icy-lavender expanse of snow. After a brief chase, the butterfly lands on Panda’s outstretched paw, a moment wordlessly captured in a full-page illustration aglow with Panda’s wonder at the creature’s vibrant, petal-delicate wings. The spell is broken when the butterfly resumes its flight up a steep-sloped mountain, leaving Panda scrambling to follow. Using simple sentences, the narrator offers comfort and reassurance after each of Panda’s failed attempts (“Oh, Panda”), until finally offering the bear some concrete help. Derby, whose illustrations for Deborah Underwood’s Outside In (2020) received a Caldecott Honor, crafts a relatable tale of ingenuity and perseverance. Her soft-edged, wobbly-lined artwork, rendered in watercolors and gouache, gives the story a warmth despite the snowy landscape, and kids will enjoy seeing the little protagonist come out on top (of the world). - Copyright 2023 Booklist.