Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2019 PreS-K—Graphic novelist Varon's (Robot Dreams, Sweater Weather) return to picture books (Chicken & Cat) is a comforting look at how holding hands is representative of the ways we connect with others to help us through our days. As the day starts, readers see a young bear holding hands with a younger sibling, an older sibling, and at times a stuffed animal as the bear offers support or receives the comfort or encouragement that she needs. As the day moves forward, the bear holds hands while going down a flight of stairs, commuting to preschool, on her way to a playdate, listening to a bedtime story, and in her dreams. Varon's distinct comic style of bold lines creates a world of diverse animal characters, and her comforting complementary muted color palette will appeal to child readers. Every pair of hands being held, whether in the background or forefront, is highlighted by a star, and the sun and moon are shown holding hands as they change places in the sky. Soothing rhymes makes this a great lap book that shows readers a myriad of ways that they can offer comfort and support to others and themselves. VERDICT This warmhearted book will hold up over many readings, and is a must purchase for libraries serving younger patrons.—Danielle Jones, Multnomah County Library, OR - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2019 Sometimes we hold hands with Dad while crossing a busy street. Sometimes we hold hands with a buddy (especially when the day-care teacher says to) or with our little sister when she needs our help. Sometimes we even hold hands with our doll or with a tree that we’re swinging on. The important thing is recognizing that holding hands can look like love, or protection, or friendship, or safety, or anything in between. Award-winning graphic novelist and picture-book artist Varon uses her trademark stylings and anthropomorphic animals to create a gorgeous and precious picture book about a simple but crucial element of learned childhood behavior. Her illustrations are tender and joy-filled, focusing on sweet, recognizable daytime moments that children will respond to eagerly. By highlighting each hand-holding element with sparkling white stars, she has created a visual scavenger hunt for her young readers, and by removing text from the final spreads, she has brilliantly left room for plenty of open discussion on the topic. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.