Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 05/26/2025 "The sun makes the world hum./ The clouds make the world blue./ The wind makes the world wild./ The rain makes the world new": Văn’s emotive lines empower as they emphasize oneness with the world. An initial question-"But you know what else/ makes the world?/ You"-prompts second-person declarations that encourage the listener to embrace their own abilityto effect change: "When you forgive,/ you make the world kind./ When you try,/ you make the world brave." Thickly colored digital and pencil artwork by Quang and Li?n provides an air of surrealistic enchantment with immersive, nature-based vistas of a youth and caregiver, portrayed with pale skin and dark hair, gleefully interacting with approachable oversize animals. Transporting a firefly in a lantern, the duo ride birds, kayak among hippos, and swim alongside whales until the story crescendos with a hug, the release of the insect, and emotionally anchoring sentiments: "When you are here/ where you belong,/ you make the world richer." An author’s note opens. Ages 2-6. (May) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 05/30/2025 PreS-Gr 3—A beautifully tender story told in a lyrical voice that captures the impact of a child's actions, large and small, on the world around them. Through a father's loving words, young readers are gently reminded that kindness, joy, and even sadness leave lasting imprints. The poetic text, with its gentle rhythm and occasional rhymes, is complemented beautifully by the digital and pencil illustrations, which are whimsical and imaginative, fitting the message of each page perfectly. This book is more than just a story; it is an invitation to reflect on the impact we leave as we move through the world. VERDICT A perfect addition to any public or school library.—Jessica Clark - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.