Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 05/19/2025 The blue jay gets its due in this sharply written appreciation of the bird’s critically important symbiotic relationship with oak trees. A straightforward question opens-"How does the mighty oak tree create more oak trees?"-and the ensuing answer shines a spotlight on how nature’s perpetuation relies on interconnection and mutualism. The narrative unfolds seasonally, beginning in late summer as "blue jays perch in the canopy,/ watching and waiting for the acorns to ripen." Rhythmic lines go on to describe an autumn harvest that sees the subjects stowing acorns in their throat pockets: "They fly one block, two blocks,/ over a farm or two,/ and hide their treasure." After winter fast-forwards to spring, uncollected acorns sprout, and young jays grow into the "next blue crew." Soft pen, ink, and colored pencil renderings have a fittingly feathered texture that enhances the careful detailing used to capture the birds and plant life alike. The magnitude of the blue jays’ contribution to forest health resounds in an admiring and conscientious portrait from Street, making her children’s debut, and Hunter (The Lonely Goose). Further information concludes. Ages 4-8. Author’s agent: Stephanie Fretwell-Hill, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary. (Aug.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 07/25/2025 K-Gr 2—This nature-themed picture book walks readers through the symbiotic relationship between oak trees and blue jays. Narrated in poetic verse and accompanied by colored pencil illustration, the book allows readers to journey alongside these intelligent birds from one summer to the next. There is much work to be done to prepare for winter, tasks that benefit different ecosystems across the countryside. Blue jays do the important work of transporting acorns through flight. They inevitably drop some acorns which sprout into seedlings later. Over an extended time, the birds expand their own habitats while broadening the homes of other plants and animals. Street and Hunter have created a title that is educational and visually stunning. Elegant language, particularly the occasional use of shape poetry, supplements the serene narrative. Included in the endnotes are additional facts about blue jays in relation to oak trees. VERDICT A recommended purchase anywhere nature lovers and animal fanatics abound.—Alison Schwartz - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.