Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/01/2023 In this first title of the Sensing Your World series, Verde urges readers to go beyond cursory glances to fully see and experience the world around them. A young child hops off a scooter to observe a tree and discovers a teeming landscape of birds, insects, and flowers. Later, the observant protagonist sits on the steps of their city brownstone and discerns beauty in neighborhood people and their activities. Looking up at the sky reveals the magic of nature, and paying attention to friends yields evidence of kindness and inclusion. Finally, contemplation of family and self brings into focus contentment, love, and self-awareness. Perdomo's digital art employs a sunny palette that reflects the joyful tone of the text. Using representational shapes, eye-popping colors, and myriad textures, she invites extended viewing, particularly on the pages where the text asks, Can you see? Although the true message of the book (described in the author's note) is one of mindfulness rather than strict observation, this will be welcomed by anyone curious to see the world with fresh eyes. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.