Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2020 Gr 1–3—This almost wordless book takes readers through a journey from the city to the heights of the timberland, an adventure that begins in the dark of night through the early morning—a preparation time for father and child. Sleepily waking, dressing with care and filling the backpack, father and son drive through the rising dawn to wind past green columns of trees. A bird's perspective finds a young fox and eggs in a nest. A series of vignettes captures deer, hidden insects, a flying eagle, and even the prints of a bear. Late snow, a challenging walk, and a quiet meal precede a final climb and a shared tradition amid the trees. Painted landscapes conjure the soft haze of forest waterfalls, mountain vistas, watery strokes of tree branches, small details of flowers, woodland creatures, and the warm expressions between parent and child. VERDICT A suggested first purchase for all libraries, this visual feast evokes a breathtaking climb to the heights, where the absence of text reflects the serenity of the mountain and those who quietly rejoice in the hike.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2020 *Starred Review* One morning, a father wakens his child, who jumps out of bed, puts on warm clothing, and loads a backpack into the car. They drive to the mountains, where their hike begins. After observing animals, paw prints, and feathers, they come to a large log bridging a small river. The child steps slowly, fearful and tentative, then relieved, to reach Dad, waiting halfway across. They watch a waterfall together. Wearing helmets, they climb a steep slope to a lookout point, plant a little sapling, and take a picture before heading back for a cozy evening at home. It’s a satisfying adventure, related without narration. The few words found in the illustrations usually appear within books or represent sounds, such as KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! (woodpecker) and CLICK! (camera). The handsome digital artwork clearly expresses the characters’ emotions as well as the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Oswald, who illustrated Jory John’s The Bad Seed (2017) and The Good Egg (2019), found his inspiration for the story in childhood memories of family hiking and camping trips. A near-wordless book seems a particularly appropriate way of communicating the quiet yet powerful experience of walking through a wilderness area. A memorable picture book on enjoying the natural world. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.