Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2025 K-Gr 3—This thoughtful story follows a young boy as he transforms his cluttered room from more to less by giving away his belongings. The joy he feels in seeing others appreciate his gifts inspires him to continue donating, including to a nearby senior center. Through these acts of generosity, he builds unexpected connections, and when he later organizes a collection drive, the seniors he once helped give their time to support it. Together, they repurpose recycled materials into birdhouses, creating something meaningful as a community. With sparse yet impactful text, this sweet story highlights how sharing can foster relationships in ways never imagined. Mora (Everybody in the Red Brick Building, etc.) brings the narrative to life with her signature collage style, beautifully capturing the boy's journey as he turns more into less—and ultimately, into something even greater. The story opens and closes with the word "plenty," emphasizing not just material abundance but the richness of love, generosity, and belonging within his diverse family. VERDICT A gentle yet powerful book that introduces the young to sustainability and community-building, while offering a message that resonates well beyond its intended audience.—Heidi Dechief - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2025 What does it mean to have plenty? Is it possible that less is more? Mora’s signature cut-paper illustrations lead readers through a thoughtful exploration of these big ideas. Though there are no more than three words on any page—always a variation on more, less, or plenty—exploring the illustrations unlocks a rich storyline. A family has “plenty” in their cozy home, but as the boy’s room fills up with “more. And more. Even more,” he becomes agitated and decides to give away his things. Over time, the family, and eventually the community, works together to reuse and recycle things they no longer need. The text never states what exactly there is more or less of, so readers are free to interpret how having less might result in more—could it be community? Connection? Nature? Joy? Ultimately, the family concludes that its loving group hug is “plenty.” This deceptively simple text demonstrates ways to be a good steward of the Earth and our communities, while guiding even the youngest readers to reflect on what is truly valuable. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.