Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 03/10/2025 Johnson (Twins) and Brown (Bros) encapsulate the tension of being both a young child and an older sibling in this well-intentioned story about family responsibility. When Elijah welcomes his father home after a long day of waiting, the child is eager to take his new kite for a spin. But Elijah’s father has to cancel their weekend plans ("A new baby means extra work for everyone"), and he asks Elijah for help: "Think you can be my little big man tomorrow?" Elijah agrees, but a day without running, jumping, or yelling doesn’t sound like much fun, and the child’s best attempts all evening result in more messes than successes, rendered in onomatopoeic prose. Elijah does his best the next day as images show father and son taking on parallel work roles in different places: "They didn’t give up. They helped others. They cleaned up when they made a mess," even if "being big was hard work." And after Dad’s return, the whole family goes outside to play, flying a kite Elijah painstakingly constructed-an act that offers a balance and reliability of its own. Characters read as Black. Ages 4-8. Author’s agent: Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties. Illustrator’s agent: Christy Ewers, CAT Agency. (May) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 05/30/2025 PreS-Gr 2—When a young boy is asked to step up and be more responsible, readers join him on a heartfelt lesson in maturity. Elijah, a young Black child, eagerly awaits his father's return from work. He's been promised a special weekend together and is so excited. Unfortunately, father must work and Elijah can help by being considerate of his mother and the baby. He is asked to be a "little big man" and work hard to help his family. He strives to stay quiet all day, working on a project. When father returns, Elijah is rewarded by a trip to the park. Although the family dynamic has changed, so, too, has Elijah. Johnson crafts a narrative in which Elijah's admiration for his father shines. He mimics his behavior, seeks his approval, and looks up to him in every way. Elijah is so eager for time with his father that he is determined to earn it. Digital illustrations resemble a pastel medium, featuring bright colors symbolic of the happiness in the household. Select words are typeset larger and in unusual shapes to convey the nosiness in Elijah's wake through onomatopoeia. VERDICT With a narrative focus on responsibility and a story emphasizing familial love, this book is suitable for all readers but targeted to those experiencing a similar change in the family unit with a new addition.—Jessica Bushore - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2025 Elijah, a young Black child, looks out the window. Time passes slowly, but finally Dad comes home. “Yay!” calls Elijah. “Waaah!” cries the baby, awakened by her brother. Dad explains to Elijah that a baby in the house means extra work. He asks Elijah to be his “little big man,” saying, “Sometimes you have to work hard before you can play hard.” The next day, Elijah follows his father’s lead. The big man and his little big man work hard, building and repairing things for others in their family and their neighborhood. Afterwards, they clean up their messes and feel proud. Elijah gives Dad the kite he has made for him, and they practice flying kites happily together. Kids can learn useful lessons from the story, but the most challenging one (and potentially the most rewarding) is for parents: how to be a role model for children. The story is well paced and engaging for young kids, and the colorful illustrations sensitively portray the characters’ emotions through body language and facial expressions. A rewarding picture book. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.