Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/01/2025 PreS-Gr 3—A self-affirming celebration of the human body in all its forms. Joyful children of varying skin tones are shown both moving and resting their diverse bodies, some of which include accessories like glasses, a cochlear implant, braces, and a wheelchair. Littlebird's bright illustrations effortlessly show the individuality of human bodies and how they mimic the uniqueness of the natural world, like a baby in its mother's womb mirroring a seed in the ground and galactic bodies emanating from other celestial objects in space. Verde's tender verse is sparse, allowing readers to take in the colorful spreads as well as the importance of bolded words: unique, miraculous, deserving. The text could work well for dynamic story hours with participants acting out some of what bodies do and express. VERDICT Important lessons on bodily autonomy, consent, diversity, and self-love are wrapped up in an age-appropriate hug of a book.—Carrie Voliva - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 10/01/2025 Verde and Littlebird celebrate the human body as a miraculous, beautiful package for one’s being. Situating it among nature’s wonders, the book asserts that one’s body can (and should) be appreciated for its many qualities and capabilities: growing; speaking; moving; and being expressive, unique, wise, and deserving. These simple affirmations are followed by powerful text elaborating on each statement—for instance, “Your body is YOUR OWN / Not for anyone else to / talk about, judge, define.” Meanwhile, Littlebird’s vibrant illustrations are almost like stained glass, with bright sunrise hues filling heavy black outlines to create joyous nature scenes where children gleefully play and everyone is cast as unique, special, and important. Children of any color, gender, or ability will see themselves in this empowering book, which helps teach young readers to fully accept and love themselves exactly as they are. Notes from the creators further highlight how important it is to regard one’s body with gratitude and recognize its beauty. Shelve this with Tyler Feder’s Bodies Are Cool (2021) and share during storytimes. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.