Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 07/14/2025 A polar bear and a human dancer form an instant bond in a lushly rendered wordless picture book from Velasquez (Outspoken). When a young Black ballerina leaves a flowing red scarf behind following a moment of interspecies connection during a photo shoot at the Central Park Zoo’s polar bear tank, the bear climbs out of its enclosure, ties on the garment, and heads out through the park. It soon arrives at Lincoln Center, where the dancer is performing with the Harlem Children’s Ballet. A "no polar bears allowed" sign above the ticket window bars the animal’s entry, but a loud growl brings the dancer running to retrieve the scarf and escort the ursine figure into the performance hall, where it sits clapping in the audience, viewing-displayed across the stage-the image of the dancer in front of its tank. Final scenes see the bear making its way home in a reverie and dreaming of its own stage debut. Thickly stroked art invokes a strong sense of place, employing instantly recognizable landmarks alongside comically melodramatic bystanders. Background characters reflect the city’s diversity. Includes polar bear "fun facts" and an author’s note. Publishing simultaneously in Spanish. Ages 4-8. (Oct.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 10/01/2025 Gr 1—These wordless books from award winning Afro-Latino author-illustrator Velasquez focus on an unlikely friendship between a young ballerina and a polar bear. Chloe, who is Black, and fellow Harlem Children's ballet ballerinas have a photoshoot at the Central Park Zoo. Chloe has a brief interaction with the polar bear and accidentally leaves her long red scarf behind. The book turns dreamlike when the polar bear escapes, finds the scarf, and decides to make his way through Manhattan up to Lincoln Square. He is turned away at the box office with a "No polar bears allowed!" sign. Chloe hears his growl of dismay and runs out to get her red scarf from the polar bear and then lets him in to see the ballet. On its walk home, the bear wears the red scarf and recreates Chloe's dance. Velasquez skillfully depicts expressive characters, recognizable scenery, and a cohesive dreamy plot with his iconic oil paintings. Limited text adds to key moments. The endpapers give readers further textual context for the story. Fun polar bear facts and scientific information are written in the style of zoo signs. A magazine article includes Chloe's name, a brief biography, the ballet company's name, and a recital poster. Both language editions are accessible for readers interested in image-centered picture books. VERDICT This extraordinary wordless book features expressive illustrations that depict a unique friendship. A great addition to English- and Spanish-language picture book collections.—Nicole Gaudier-Alemany - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.