Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2025 PreS-K—Henry is proud of his fabulous fish costume that he puts on every day. He wears it shopping, playing, and even when he takes his goldfish, Marigold, for a ride in the wagon. Henry is most comfortable when he wears his shiny suit since it is sparkly on the outside and warm and cozy on the inside. "It felt like wearing a hug." Henry's mother tries to explain why it would be better for the boy to wear regular clothes on his first day of school instead of his costume, but Henry is not persuaded. Upon arriving at school, Henry finds that his classmates are unsure about his unusual garb, but they gradually come to accept it, and he even receives compliments. As the day progresses, he realizes that parts of his fish suit are a hindrance, so the fins, the tail, and the head are gradually removed. When the school day is over, Henry's classmates plan their outfits for the second day of school. Cheerful illustrations were created with gouache, wax pastels, and a bit of digital painting. VERDICT Children will enjoy reading about Henry's first day of school and seeing how he maintains his individuality and makes new friends.—Maryann H. Owen - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2025 When Henry wears his bright-orange fish suit, he feels special. It has scales that sparkle and shimmer. There’s a long tail that swishes when he walks and a secret pocket. Just a little tight, the fish suit feels “like wearing a hug.” Henry wears it everywhere, every day, so when his mother gives him new, non-sparkly clothes to wear on his first day of school, Henry balks. In his classroom, the children watch him warily, but he soon befriends Lucy, who wears cat ears, and Ethan, who builds a tower of blocks with him. Back home, Henry tells his goldfish about his day and looks forward to taking her to school on Pet Day. The third-person narrative excels at representing the child’s viewpoint fairly without attempting to explain it. After all, when facing a daunting new experience, who wouldn’t want the clothing that gives him courage, accompanied by a constant, supportive hug? Pilutti’s bright, lively illustrations were created with gouache, wax pastels, and “a bit of digital painting.” A playful picture book focusing on the first-day-of-school theme. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.