Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/01/2020 PreS-Gr 1—Kenny, a young boy of color who is three or four, has a busy day ahead of him, relayed in four short sections that introduce readers to the concept of chapters. Pinkney coordinates the background color of each introduction page with the main subject. In the initial section, Kenny gets ready with his mom, dad, and older sister to take his granddaddy to the bus. The mustard yellow introduction page matches Kenny's toy school bus, as well as his granddaddy's suit, signaling that the focus of this section is Kenny's grandfather and the bus. This motif carries in the second section where Kenny, clutching a stuffed lion, worries that the seafoam green vacuum roaring to life might swallow him up, but his father is ready to save him with tickles. Next, Kenny's older sister teaches him to play soccer. Pinkney's signature fluid acrylic and India ink illustrations, swirling with color and energy, depict the dancing movement of the soccer ball flowing over Kenny's body from his knees up to his head. In the final section as Kenny plays with his toy school bus and his mother brings the day to a close with a bedtime story. This family-focused story will interest mostly very young children in the early preschool years; however, the simple, clear text is also accessible to emerging readers. VERDICT Essential purchase for public library picture book shelves beside Puppy Truck and On the Ball.—Emily Brush, Novi P.L., MI - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 12/01/2020 This episodic picture book comprises four brief adventures, each signaled by a single colored page, that center on young Kenny's day. In the morning, he dresses (after first trying to put on Daddy's shirt, Mommy's shoes, his sister's shorts, and Granddaddy's hat). Next, he avoids the scary, snack-snatching vacuum cleaner by perching on a chair. After breakfast, he practices soccer with his older sister. Lastly, Kenny resists bedtime until Mommy settles in to read him a story. Pinkney's succinct text employs repeated phrases and focuses on familiar activities, making this equally appropriate for squirmy preschoolers and emergent readers. The fluid illustrations, outlined in india ink and colored in bright acrylics, highlight this Brown-skinned family as they interact with Kenny. Most spreads highlight the human characters, with only hints at the background. Of particular note is the vacuum cleaner, a green upright exuding personality, featuring eyes that seem to follow Kenny and a toothy maw that gobbles his chips and cereal. A comforting and highly relatable story that should find a wide audience. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.