Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 04/07/2025 In a rhythmic ode to "big boy joy," a Black child narrates playground hijinks, casually modeling "big boy" behaviors amid lively moments of play. After the child zooms gaily around, a bottom-of-the-slide crash leads to tears before the child’s own caring language ensues: "I can help. I can ask nicely, ‘Can I play with you?’" Snack time elicits an opportunity to share, and a caretaker’s "Time to go!" results in an easygoing departure. Onomatopoeic prose from Schofield-Morrison and color block-like mixed-media illustrations from Knight-Justice limn the locale’s energy, along the way subtly suggesting that big feels, full-fledged fun, and thoughtful behavior can exist hand in hand in hand . Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 3-5. (June) - Copyright 2025

Booklist - 03/01/2025 Schofield-Morrison captures the joy of becoming a “big boy” as a child spends a day at the playground. Fearlessly exploring the slides and swings and braving a few bumps along the way, the boy has a range of adventures that encapsulates the felicity of childhood. Knight-Justice’s charming, vibrant illustration style captures the worry-free existence of being a child, incorporating bright colors and intriguing textures. As the boy makes a friend at the park with whom he can share wonderful experiences, Big Boy Joy also celebrates Black boy joy, as the two kids explore the playground and make memories. Perfect for young children who are starting to come into their own with independence, playing with others, and forming friendships, Big Boy Joy offers a festival of color and movement as readers explore the playground together, from the sandbox to the field to imaginative dreams of outer space. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.