Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2022 PreS-Gr 2—All is quiet as a young child and two furry companions sleep soundly in their bed—that is, until a thunderstorm rolls through and wakes up the whole crew with a start! The thunder gives the young girl such a scare, but her mother is right there to comfort her with a huge hug. Throughout the night her parents and grandparents look for other ways to help her feel safe: watching the storm together on the porch, hosting a storm party. Just as the young girl starts to feel better, she remembers her two four-legged friends and wonders where they could've gone. A family search reveals two scared pets, ready to rejoin the household. Starting with the front matter, readers see the storm before the heroine, providing an opportunity for prediction. Young readers will recognize the storm's impact through McPhail's use of line—curtains blowing in the window, hair flowing back with the force of the wind. Different shades of blue are often used to emphasize the shadows created by the storm and other sources of light. The text, dominated by simple sentences and sight words, make this story ideal for sharing, and McPhail extends this by addressing readers directly: "What makes you feel safe?" VERDICT An excellent addition to early elementary collections, perfect for sharing, starting conversations, or creating activities.—Louie Lauer - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/01/2022 When an evening thunderstorm rages outside, a child faces their fear with the loving support of family. Waking in fright, the youngster is quickly comforted by their mother’s soothing embrace. The straightforward, first-person narration is honest and relatable: “The lightning scares me, but my father says, ‘It’s okay to be scared sometimes.’ Then he puts his arms around me.” The repeated sentiment, “And I feel safe,” is a heartening refrain. The tempest can’t dampen spirits inside. Grandfather plays guitar, and a party takes place by the glow of candlelight, complete with hot cocoa and biscuits. Bolstered by a sense of calm security, everyone comes out of hiding, including the pets. McPhail’s softly focused illustrations atmospherically evoke the stormy night world with shadows cast on bedroom walls, windblown curtains, and jagged white bolts illuminating the midnight blue sky. Once the child is snugly tucked back into bed, the reflective ending asks readers, “What makes you feel safe?” A warm, reassuring picture book about weathering storms together. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

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