Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2022 PreS-Gr 3—Yeti is excited for his first day of kindergarten. Once there, Yeti introduces a new friend with the wrong name and knocks over a tower of toys they've all been playing with. When Yeti breaks the crayon while trying to write his name, he becomes distraught. "I can't do it!" he cries, looking upset. His teacher acknowledges his effort and encourages him to try again. Throughout the day, he continues to receive words of support from his peers and teacher whenever he tries something. At the end of the day, Yeti feels so encouraged that he doesn't want to leave. Through Yeti's experiences during his day, this story shows children that it's okay not to succeed right away; they can always try again. Yeti is a big, lovable character with expressive facial features that make it easy for readers to root for him. Bright digital illustrations show children with a range of skin tones against many backgrounds of solid colors or sometimes with key words lightly repeated. In all the visual stimulation, it might be easy to miss the one image where Yeti visualizes himself succeeding—the rest of the time, his motivation seems to come from others, not himself. The back flap of the dust jacket shares information on growth mindset, as well as questions that those reading the book with children can ask them. VERDICT With vivid illustrations and a positive message, this book is a good addition to share with children nervous about trying something new.—Florence Simmons - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2022 Yeti is excited about his first day of school. He can't wait to make new friends and play with new toys, but he’s not so jazzed about trying new things. When he tries to write his name (and can’t) and attempts to feed the fish but gets too scared, he becomes distraught. His teacher and classmates cheer him on and give him second chances, and Yeti soon understands the big difference between “I can’t” and “Not yet.” While it’s perhaps light on plot and character, that’s only because it’s a deliberate and overt social-emotional tool—made in consultation with literacy experts in the field—aimed at teaching children about persistence and how to develop a growth mindset. To that end, the messaging is clear and simple. It is illustrated in bright, welcoming colors against which the white-furred yeti, with his blue face and pink backpack, pops. Yeti is a sweet protagonist in a room full of racially diverse children, and their teacher, a woman of color, instructs them that tomorrow always offers another chance to try again. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

Booklist - 07/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Booklist.