Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 PreS-Gr 2—Take a tour of the underwater world in this visual introduction to the sea. Readers will be swept away by a colorful school of fish and will have a front-row seat as a blue whale scoops up a mouthful of krill. McGinty introduces a variety of ecosystems and plant life, as well as many fascinating creatures. The most effective feature of this book is the digital illustrations that showcase the variety and complexity of ocean life. Through careful use of color, the author and illustrator spotlight a world that sometimes appears peaceful and small, and at other times seems volatile and untamed. The pages will be turned with ease, following the rhythm of tightly crafted couplets. However, this text is not overly informative. Although back matter provides basic information, most young readers will struggle to make the connection between the illustrations and information. VERDICT A solid selection for nature/science-themed storytime or as a springboard for future investigation.—Louie Lauer, Jefferson Elementary School, Fargo, ND - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/15/2020 What does the sea know? Quite a bit, according to this well-crafted picture book. The rhythmic verse text begins with a series of opposites, such as “The sea knows huge. / The sea knows small. / The sea knows short. / The sea knows tall.” The text gradually moves away from contrasts and toward concepts with shared properties. Finally, a sequence of dynamic events builds up to a dramatic storm before resolving fittingly with “The sea knows when / the storms should cease. / The sea knows calm. / The sea knows peace.” Visually, the book begins with people standing on a pier and observing the ocean, shifts to a series of underwater scenes, and then draws back again to watch the storm arrive and recede. Full of movement, grace, and intriguing details, the digital artwork illustrates the text beautifully. An informative appended section elaborates on sea creatures and phenomena mentioned in the verse. The writing flows well, making this picture book a pleasure to read aloud and a natural for classroom units on the sea. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

Booklist - 04/15/2020 - Copyright 2020 Booklist.