Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/15/2020 *Starred Review* Reinterpreting a 50-year-old text, Stead gives this version images that simultaneously pay homage to the past and feel new. A young girl, often dressed in overalls with her hair in a long braid, describes the things she loves most, and most loves to do, in her garden. Birds, roses, chrysanthemums, and snow each appear as the seasons change, while the girl stays busy flying kites, picnicking, raking leaves, and ice skating. The lilting text follows a repetitive framework, but each season brings a fresh twist. The rural setting is not specific about the time period, but one compelling spread shows the girl and an older woman (her grandmother?) removing the tires from an abandoned car and repurposing them as a swing and planters. The unique illustrations employ oil-ink monotype techniques and carbon transfer printing to create images that feel simple and nostalgic. The execution, however, is complex, with picture elements layered on each other and on textured backgrounds. This is the best kind of picture book, offering a satisfying reading experience while leaving plenty of space for wondering. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 PreS-K—Changing seasons bring new things to do and see in the garden. A young girl, her mother, and their cat enjoy spending time together there. In the spring, the girl loves watching birds in the trees and flying kites. Summer is marked by beautiful roses and lunch under the pear tree. As fall approaches, chrysanthemums bloom and leaves get raked into piles for jumping into. Finally, winter is accompanied by snow and ice-skating on the pond. While the young girl likes many things about each dynamic season, she has favorites that stand out among the rest. The formulaic structure of this story provides a framework that readers of all ages will appreciate. Sixty years after Zolotow wrote the book, its message continues to resonate now that the tale has been reimagined with new illustrations. The hand-drawn images and soft, muted colors transport readers into the calm, serene feeling of a garden throughout the year. From start to finish, readers will find relatable sentiments peppered throughout the pages of this story. VERDICT Preschoolers will enjoy finding a quiet moment to read this book with their caregivers as they discuss the many notable aspects of each season.—Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver Public Library - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/15/2020 - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.