Bound To Stay Bound

Publishers Weekly - 11/10/2025 In an uplifting picture book about beholding others’ brightness, Ojibwe author Quigley, collaborating with Din? (Navajo) and Chicana artist Chacon, reassures: "Sometimes you might feel invisible. But I say to you: aaniin, I see your light." The pages that follow incorporate the Ojibwe Seven Grandfather Teachings (courage, respect, humility, love, truth, wisdom, and honesty), while jewel-tone illustrations with a bokeh-like effect pair portraits of children with animals considered to reflect each characteristic. In two early spreads underscoring courage, one child is shown in profile ("I see more bright in you than dark. I see courage when you face fears, though others hide"), and another is situated with an ursine figure ("You are brave, like Bear"). Other spreads show children protesting a pipeline in community, frolicking in a field, and more. The result is an empowering read that both honors children’s behavioral strengths and offers guidance on orienting around values. An author’s note and list of the Seven Grandfather Teachings conclude. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly used with permission.

School Library Journal - 04/17/2026 PreS-Gr 2—A stirring book of affirmation to empower young readers. Aaniin is an Ojibwe greeting for "hello" or "I see your light"—meaning the soul's or spirit's light. This simple yet meaningful picture book carries that message to young people and shares the Ojibwe Nation's Seven Grandfather Teachings: courage, respect, humility, love, truth, wisdom, and honesty. Each teaching is represented by an animal, which is beautifully illustrated in deep, rich colors by Chacon. The stunning images of children and animals just existing in nature together are breathtaking and tell a story of their own. Although no specific characters are named in the book, the jewel-tone illustrations center around young Indigenous children with different skin tones and hair textures. The end of the book has a glossary with each animal and an explanation of the teaching associated with it. The author's note provides a beautiful message to the readers and context on the meaning and origins of the term "aaniin." VERDICT This radiant picture book is a must-have that reassures little readers (and adults) that they are seen, valued, and have a bright light within.—Jazmyne Baylor - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.