Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 PreS-Gr 2—The Steads have created an environment as whimsical and kind as the one that nurtured Amos McGee. This one takes readers to a quiet farm where three animals, "a mule, a milk cow, a miniature horse," are looking expectantly at the darkened early morning sky, waiting for the sun to rise. When it fails to come up, the animals take action, for the farmer has also failed to rise and breakfast will therefore be late. A journey ensues, wise animals are consulted, giants are faced, and eventually the trio arrive at the edge of the world, where the sun makes its belated appearance, as does the farmer who leads the animals back to the barn, where breakfast is waiting. A gentle array of soft colors and sweet animal faces quickly engages readers. Onomatopoeia, descriptive phrases, and repetition make this a very endearing reading experience for all. If the animals from the farm ever get a chance to meet the animals from Amos McGee's zoo, they would find boon companions and fast friends. VERDICT This meets all the expectations one has of this duo. Recommended for libraries looking for titles with sophisticated, age-appropriate art and language.—John Scott - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2022 *Starred Review* A trio of farmyard animals are worried. The sun hasn’t risen, and the farmer hasn’t appeared, so there’s been no breakfast. The mule, the milk cow, and the miniature horse decide to consult Barn Owl, as “he will know what to do.” He tells them of a journey they must take—farther than they’ve ever gone before—to where the sun is bedded down. Joined by Rooster, they pass by the herd of dozing sheep, climb through the broken fence, traverse a cornfield, skirt a “sleeping giant,” and arrive at the edge of the world (so indicated by a helpful signpost) in order to wake up the slumbering sun. The quiet, quirky story is beautifully illustrated with soft-hued watercolor, pencil, and colored pencils. Images vary in size and alternate placement with the text. Delicate lines, exquisitely drawn and detailed, are covered with a wash of blue, aptly depicting the just-before-dawn sky that gradually lightens as the animals reach their destination. Relying on the advice of a wise farm resident and plucking up their courage, the foursome awaken the sun, and their day begins. An endearing new folktale from the Caldecott-winning duo. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.