Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/05/2024 PreS-Gr 2—A unique and vibrant story sharing the yin and yang of Dragon and Phoenix. Dragon boasts how dragons are fierce and frightening, how they soar and can summon thunder, but after each sentence, it is clear that Dragon has a terrible cold. Phoenix tries to encourage Dragon to sip some ginger tea, take a scarf, eat bone broth, and rest. But tables turn when suddenly Phoenix starts to feel unwell, too. This is a great bedtime story to encourage little ones to settle down. It also is a perfect read-aloud with young listeners calling out the "Choo!" each time. An author's note explains the centuries-old history of Phoenix and Dragon and how their opposing strengths and weaknesses complement one another. While the pair is traditionally compared to a husband and wife, Cheng chose to not use pronouns "in the hopes that more people can see themselves in this dynamic relationship." Santat provides vibrant, full-page drawings of Dragon and Phoenix that bring these two characters brilliantly to life. VERDICT This picture book is a perfect model of text and illustrations coming together to produce a stunning final product for children. Highly recommended.—Heidi Dechief - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/01/2024 Dragon wants to soar and dive and summon thunder with their mighty roars, but every roar keeps ending in a disastrous, flame-filled sneeze. Phoenix urges Dragon to relax, settle in, and sip ginger tea and bone-broth soup until they feel better, but Dragon feels compelled to keep going, sneezing all the way. Eventually, a combination of tiredness and compassion wins out, and both animals admit that sometimes a nap makes everything better. The text is simple, and, while perhaps unexceptional as a story, it has solid messaging on the importance of empathy and self-care. The author’s strategic and intentional avoidance of pronouns to foster inclusion is a nice touch. Santat’s mixed-media pencil, watercolor, and digital artwork is sumptuous and gloriously recognizable in its rich, dragon-scaled detail and color saturation. His skillful mastery of dramatic angle and shadow make him the ideal illustrator to animate these centuries-old mythical creatures and elevate the friendship tale into a mini-adventure that soars through the Chinese landscape. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.