Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2025 K-Gr 2—This book takes readers on an enchanting afternoon adventure through the park for bird-listening. Mia delights in listening to her favorites, since she does not see them; her visual impairment is not portrayed as a hindrance. Along with her aunt (tía), Mia follows her ears as she listens for chickadees, blue jays, yellow warblers, and her favorite, a red-tailed hawk. Mia explains how to listen and identify each bird's song while she chases along a path, leaving tía struggling to keep up with her. Mia introduces readers to a whole new world. They will be intrigued by the challenges of identifying birds only by their songs and might even want to head directly outside, book in hand, to start listening and looking for the types of birds featured in the story. Readers will likely be familiar with the sounds without realizing the source of each song. Vibrant illustrations focus on an array of birds, while making readers feel like they are right there in the park with the characters. This title would also be perfect for teaching onomatopoeia. VERDICT Ideal for any educator teaching listening skills or the science of birding, this book is also an inclusive tool perfect for a variety of content connections, including science and ELA.—Darby Wallace - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/01/2025 Mia can’t wait for a day out partaking in one of her favorite activities: bird-listening! Some people may be more familiar with bird-watching, but Mia, who can’t see, enjoys birds in a different way. Upon arrival at the nearby park, her accompanying aunt immediately asks for bird-listening tips. “Just close your eyes,” Mia entreats her, and the pair begin to take in the specific sounds around them; cheer-up cheerily cheer up cheer, calls a nearby robin. They take in all sorts of species, and the ever-observant Mia even notices the sploosh of a heron landing nearby. With daylight fading, Mia is determined to find her favorite bird before they depart. The focus on bird calls is a fantastically fresh approach to imparting avian information, and Mia’s detailed sensory experiences are particularly notable; she can recognize location by specific scent and sound and uses her cane to spot a fallen log long before her aunt warns her of the hazard. Cheerful illustrations deftly depict the beautiful birds and Mia’s endless enthusiasm. An unusual and enjoyable outing sure to inspire readers to experience the natural world in a new way. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.