Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/12/2024 PreS-Gr 2—A lion's reflection, bored with its life, looks around for another subject to reflect and lands on Harriet. It jumps into a puddle, and Harriet, seeing the fierce lion's face staring back at her, feels stronger and more able to take on her day at school. This goes well for a while until the reflection is responsible for Harriet's bad moments, too. Delightfully funny pictures show that Harriet's howls, growls, and aggressive behavior with the art supplies do not go unnoticed and she is scolded. Harriet hides from the lion's reflection, finding herself in a small compact mirror, and then learns to go between the two reflections, to take from each the best of what it has to offer. The colors unspool and flow in Kadi's bright illustrations. Harriet could be Latina, with tan skin and black hair, though the lion and its reflection may set this in northwest India or Africa. Realism is not really the point; this is an attempt to offer SEL for small children without having to unwrap a lot of subtext. It's confusing, but fun, and most children will enjoy Harriet's adventure.VERDICT An awkward but gentle inquiry into self-esteem, imagination, and self-governance, done with humor and wonderful watercolor-like paintings.—Ginnie Abbott - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2024 *Starred Review* In this fable-like picture book, a shy child sees herself in a different light and discovers how to embrace all parts of her personality. When an old lion dies, its bored, lonely reflection goes rogue and leaves the jungle. Peeking through the window of a house, the lion’s reflection spies Harriet and knows it has found its new muse to mirror. Trudging reluctantly to school, the little girl catches a glimpse of her new reflection in a rain puddle and is pleasantly surprised: “How fierce I look this morning.” Full of confidence and ready to roar, Harriet speaks up in class, has splendid adventures on the playground, and devours her lunch with gusto. The child’s prolonged wildcat behavior at school leads to a reprimand, and she misses who she used to be. Demonstrating strength, courage, and awareness, Harriet shores up her inner resources and finds she can contain multitudes. Originally published in France as Les reflets d’Hariett in 2021, debut author-illustrator Kadi’s quirky narrative is by twists and turns funny and philosophical. Lushly detailed scenes swirl with warm, bright colors and fluid, shape-shifting movement. This self-reflective story truly shines. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.