Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/23/2024 Gr 3–5—Rubin masterfully weaves a tale of discovery, curiosity, and the ever-changing nature of scientific understanding. Hand-sketched and digitally colored illustrations bring the story to life, transporting readers to the world of paleontology. The artwork is meticulous, with intricate details that will delight young dinosaur enthusiasts. The story follows the journey of a mysterious Iguanodon horn, from its discovery to its reinterpretation over time. Rubin conveys how new findings can upend existing theories, illustrating the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry. The narrative seamlessly integrates with the illustrations, creating an immersive experience that educates and entertains. This book is perfect for young paleontologists who will be captivated by the fascinating world of dinosaur bones and the scientists who study them. It's a book that could inspire curiosity, encouraging young readers to question and explore the natural world. VERDICT With its engaging story and captivating artwork, this is an excellent choice for school and public library collections.—Jessica Clark - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2024 *Starred Review* This STEM treasure trove may start out with an iguanodon’s death and fossilization, but the book is anything but a downer. A quick prologue sets the stage: for much of history, people assumed that dinosaur fossils could only belong to monsters or dragons. As knowledge of the natural world increased and the scientific method became more established, it became obvious that scientific theories must be constantly revised when new information comes to light. The perfect example of this progression comes in the form of the ever-changing understanding of the iguanodon, from its initial depiction as a lumpy lizard (“I DO look pretty terrible here,” an early rendering of an iguanodon notes) to a lumbering biped to a warm-blooded quadruped. Speculation on future updates acts as a final reminder that science is always evolving. Though the spectacular story ostensibly focuses on the iguanodon and other dinosaur discoveries, it sneakily tells a larger tale of science’s adaptability. The chipper text is entertaining and educational, packed with humorous asides and unexpected anecdotes without losing the overarching story. Immersive illustrations put readers in the thick of things, incorporating diagrams and text boxes into the ongoing action. Younger readers will adore the arresting artwork, and older readers will appreciate the wealth of newfound knowledge. A terrific tribute to the adaptability of the scientific process and the wonders that it unearths. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.