Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 07/23/2023 Doris is happy. She is a show pony, dancing with the other horses every night in a tent under a spotlight. She loves the music, the movement, and the cheers from the crowd. As time goes on, however, she begins to notice something outside the tent. A faraway twinkling draws her curiosity, until one night she ventures out. Dimmed shades of swirling color capture the magical quality of the night as Doris travels into the unknown. On an icy pond, she dances in a new way, listening to herself instead of the people at a show. As Doris revels in this experience, she is surprised to be joined by a small, brown pony. While not nearly as elegant as Doris, this pony dances with a freedom Doris instantly appreciates. The blues of the night begin to give way to sunny yellows, and Doris and her new friend are ready to see what else awaits them on this new day. Softly understated, the message about being open to possibilities is conveyed in a magical, moving manner. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/01/2023 PreS-Gr 1—Doris begins as a cipher, jumping into a story with no real introduction. Readers don't know where Doris the horse is—though it may be the center ring of a circus—what she performs, what emotional stakes she actually faces. She quits that place for wilder, unbordered spaces, leaving the story open for exploration around general themes, such as bravery in the face of the unknown, being comfortable with oneself, opening up to new ways of life, and relying on one's inner resources instead of adulation from others. This vague uncertainty carries through somewhat impressionistic illustrations. They add to the freedom and interpretative nature of the text but will leave some readers feeling untethered. The shifting spots on Doris's skin and the hint of un-horselike smiles (a pony joins Doris) could be either distracting or beatific. But for readers who sink into the colorscape and go with the rhythm of the pictures, the joyous bursts of language and brush strokes give vibrant movement to the non-story. Sound words—twinkling, springing, wondering—lend an air of magic to the adventure. VERDICT Interesting art and a slightly elusive story will reward those who work for a foothold. The sparse and sparkly language will be compelling to older preschoolers, while there are enough discussion topics for elementary-aged children.—Cat McCarrey - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.