Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 09/01/2023 Artful poetry and bold artwork combine in this warm and inviting exploration of a total solar eclipse. Fox emphasizes the rarity and preciousness of the event in lyrical lines—“A small sphere striving / to overshadow a giant”; “all of us aware of our own tininess / all captivated and connected”—that also fold in scientific concepts. Le’s soft but detailed artwork shows beaming children and fascinated adults sharing the experience of the phenomenon together, as well as some of the visible effects of the eclipse—sunset colors in the sky, crescent shapes appearing in the dappled shade of trees. Important reminders to not stare directly at the sun are repeated throughout and in the back matter, which includes other safety guidelines for viewing eclipses and instructions for making an eclipse-viewing box. As libraries prepare for the upcoming total solar eclipse in April 2024, which will be viewable in portions of North America, this thoughtful and gracefully illustrated picture book is a strong choice that brings together the entrancing nature of eclipses and the facts surrounding the extraordinary event. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/10/2023 Gr 1–3—An overview of the phenomenon known as a total solar eclipse. The book not only delves into the scientific aspects but also provides a step-by-step guide for DIY enthusiasts to create their own sun viewer, enhancing readers' safe interactions with the event. What truly sets this book apart is its captivating illustrations. The vivid watercolor imagery captures the awe-inspiring transformation of the environment during the eclipse. The contrasting dark and bright colors create a dynamic portrayal of this celestial dance, offering a genuine and immersive experience for the readers. The fluidity of the artwork evokes the real-time changes during an eclipse, making it a visual delight. Moreover, the inclusion of diverse characters emphasizes the universal impact of an eclipse. It highlights how this natural phenomenon transcends boundaries and affects people worldwide, fostering a sense of unity and shared wonder. VERDICT In a blend of science and art, this book succeeds in making the complex accessible and extraordinarily relatable, making it a valuable addition to any collection's astronomy shelves.—Jessica Calaway - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.