Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/17/2025 K-Gr 5—Every living thing on Earth embodies pieces of this planet's story. In this luminous narrative nonfiction science book, readers follow the life cycle and evolution of the frog as a thread for the story of the universe. The simple act of a child observing jelly-like eggs in a pond leads to the question, "where did the first frog come from?" Through clear simple text and dynamic mixed media images, Thomas and Egnéus travel the lengths of time and space to answer this deeply layered question. Readers are sent back to the beginning when everything was just a small speck and then page by page experience the exploding, stretching, and expanding of the Earth into a place that can support life. The book expertly moves between the larger story of the universe and the frog's unique journey of adaptation and survival. The back matter includes "The Story of Everything" allowing for further learning through more detailed explanations of material presented in the book. VERDICT A powerful work covering the big and small story of the creation of the universe, this is an excellent addition to a classroom library with accessible language and illustrations that speak to both younger and older learners.—Sarah Pousty - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 11/01/2025 What was there before there were frogs? This picture book begins with the familiar life cycle of a frog before taking readers back in time—before frogs, before people and plants, before Earth. The creation of the world is described, step-by-step, in simple, accessible language, eventually circling back to the arrival of frogs and concluding once more with their life cycle. The rounded structure makes for a satisfying narrative arc, beginning and ending with the same question. Although the book appears informational, it lacks references or additional resources in the back matter. Instead, this title's strength lies in the storytelling, especially in its tone and illustrations, created with mixed media on paper, which reinforce the sense of wonder emanating from the text. An engaging introduction for curious children beginning to ask big questions, this concise text is approachable, and the story models curiosity, providing a clear look at the frog’s life cycle. Recommended as a thought-provoking blend of science and storytelling for picture-book collections. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.