Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2024 PreS-Gr 2—The intimate connection between nature and identity is beautifully realized in the pages of this exquisite story about a girl and her glacier. When baby Angela comes into the world, her father introduces her to Snæfellsjökull, the majestic glacier near their cozy Arctic village. As she grows, Angela develops a deep emotional bond with the glacier, and it is in this sacred space where she connects to her truest self. As she becomes distracted with other activities in her tween and teen years, she feels something is missing, and her father wisely suggests revisiting her glacier. Their essential connection is reforged, and she promises to always come back. Though most readers don't have their own personal glacier, many will relate to the concept of a special location or tradition that serves as a touch point for who they are and what they believe in. Mesmerizing illustrations in digitally finished gouache paintings bring Angela's world to life, capturing the glacier's myriad shades of blue and drawing readers into the chill of swirling northern winds. The afterword includes a note from the author about his inspiration and a beautifully written message from the real-life Angela that expounds on the glacier and touches on its fragile existence in the face of climate change. VERDICT A first purchase for picture book collections, this book is an enchanting homage to the natural world and the importance of being true to ourselves.—Allison Tran - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 01/17/2024 *Starred Review* A deep and enduring connection between a girl and an Icelandic glacier is warmly explored in this lyrical picture book. When Angela is born, the majestic Snæfellsjökull peak comes into view. Her father cradles her carefully in his arms “like a fragile icicle” and promises to take her there. Communing with nature on daily hiking excursions, Angela’s father carries her on his back and recites the glacier’s name like a meditative, rhythmic mantra: SNÆ (LEFT FOOT) FELLS (RIGHT FOOT) JÖ (LEFT FOOT) KULL (RIGHT FOOT). Over the years, the child pays poetic attention to the colors, temperature, and feel of the ancient ice and also confides her own secrets. When Angela gets older and busier, she walks away from her glacier, but the distance wreaks havoc on her heart. A reunion reminds her to listen to herself and to the environment that sustains her. Sudyka’s atmospheric gouache watercolors capture the stunning beauty of the enormous glacier in swirling shades of “peacock indigo and duck-egg blue,” the rugged landscape of Iceland and its arctic foxes and pixie lichen, and the close relationship between father and daughter. Respect for nature comes through crystal clear. An endnote from Angela Rawlings (Scott’s friend who inspired this story) offers more information about glaciers and the threat of extinction due to global warming. A lovingly rendered natural picture-book wonder. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.