Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 08/11/2025 Fifteenth-century prince Ulugh Beg’s passion for science propels this polished picture book biography, which also shines light on astronomy’s early history. Questions represent Ulugh Beg’s childhood curiosity: "How many stars are there?" When the subject becomes the ruler of Turkistan at age 15, he transforms the kingdom into "a mecca of learning" and, despite condemnation from religious leaders, persists with scientific inquiries, building the world’s largest observatory in Samarkand. Eventually, he also succeeds in producing "the greatest star catalog in history," measuring the length of a year, and growing to understand Earth’s axial tilt. Firdauzia’s unlined digital renderings draw heavily on Islamic geometric patterns and frequently depict the subject deep in thought, while Yuksel’s straightforward narration puts full emphasis on the figure’s remarkable accomplishments. Extensive back matter includes an author’s note. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) - Copyright 2025

Booklist - 09/01/2025 Take one little boy brimming with curiosity, surrounded by nature and opportunity, supported by the best teachers, and encouraged by a grandfather who happens to be the king of the Timurid Empire, and you find young Ulugh Beg, who becomes one of the world’s most accomplished scientists. The fact that Ulugh Bed could solve mathematical equations in his head while he rode horseback through the plains of Turkistan suggests he was also something of an intellectual prodigy. After inheriting the empire at the age of 15, he used his power and wealth to promote education, art, and scholarship for others. He ruled the land and followed his desire to “become a great scientist.” And he did! He built an observatory, catalogued stars, and charted the locations of celestial bodies, providing foundational knowledge for future astronomers. A biography to add flair and depth to math and science curricula, reminding readers of how knowledge is constructed. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.