Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/01/2022 Camila tends to withdraw into herself when she’s worried about doing something wrong, having no one to play with at recess, or making mistakes in front of others. Often intimidated by what-if scenarios, she doesn’t see herself as brave, but the narrator assures us that she is, though she hasn’t realized it yet. On a field trip to the aquarium, she feels overwhelmed until she discovers a kindred soul. Her classmate Kai is fascinated by stingrays but afraid to approach their tank. When he asks Camila for help, she agrees, overcoming her fears and making a friend. In the final scene, she’s back at school, confidently making a presentation about octopuses to her class. The simply written text uses terms familiar to children, from the first double-page spread, in which a group of children are playing hide-and-seek and Camila “just wants to hide.” Cloudlike blue-and-white clusters often appear within the expressive illustrations when Camila’s emotions take control. Another sensitive picture book from the creators of The Invisible Boy (2013) and Quiet Please, Owen McPhee! (2018). - Copyright 2022 Booklist.