Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/04/2024 PreS-Gr 2—A touching tribute of the often unrecognized impact of caregivers. Ana is excited because her grandmother is coming to live with her family. She tells her babysitter Señora Mimí all about it as she makes her way to school holding her caregiver's hand. As she shares her news with her classmates, it's only then that Ana realizes that when her grandmother takes over the morning and afternoon routines while her mother works, Sra. Mimí will no longer be the one who takes her to school and picks her up. The little girl sadly thinks about the things she'll miss. Sra. Mimí is also sad, but she reminds Ana that they'll get to see each other as neighbors, and that she'll always be a part of her life. Medina's pitch-perfect text captures the frenetic energy of the girl's anticipation along with her crestfallen reaction to the disappointing news. Cicchese's art hints at an urban setting, with a big mailbox and elevator in the lobby and the busy street of their walks to and from school. The sweet narrative and the warm, brown-tinted illustrations celebrate the community that often comes together to raise children and keep them safe. It really takes a village, and caregivers play an important part. Spanish phrases are sprinkled throughout the English edition, and the characters have light brown skin. Ana's class is diverse in skin tone and ability. VERDICT For the Sra. Mimís who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.—Shelley M. Diaz - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 10/04/2024 PreS-Gr 2—A touching tribute of the often unrecognized impact of caregivers. Ana is excited because her grandmother is coming to live with her family. She tells her babysitter Señora Mimí all about it as she makes her way to school holding her caregiver's hand. As she shares her news with her classmates, it's only then that Ana realizes that when her grandmother takes over the morning and afternoon routines while her mother works, Sra. Mimí will no longer be the one who takes her to school and picks her up. The little girl sadly thinks about the things she'll miss. Sra. Mimí is also sad, but she reminds Ana that they'll get to see each other as neighbors, and that she'll always be a part of her life. Medina's pitch-perfect text captures the frenetic energy of the girl's anticipation along with her crestfallen reaction to the disappointing news. Cicchese's art hints at an urban setting, with a big mailbox and elevator in the lobby and the busy street of their walks to and from school. The sweet narrative and the warm, brown-tinted illustrations celebrate the community that often comes together to raise children and keep them safe. It really takes a village, and caregivers play an important part. Spanish phrases are sprinkled throughout the English edition, and the characters have light brown skin. Ana's class is diverse in skin tone and ability. VERDICT For the Sra. Mimís who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.—Shelley M. Diaz - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2024 *Starred Review* Abuela is coming to live with Ana and her mami. Ana is excited to welcome her grandmother, who will look after her while Ana's mother is at work. This story is highly successful in maintaining the child’s point of view—all the events are filtered through how they impact Ana. She is not selfish, but for a child this age, not much exists beyond their direct experience; therefore, she has not realized that Abuela’s arrival means no more Señora Mimí. What will she do without her loving babysitter; Mimí's baby, Nelson; and their dog, Pancho? Caregivers play central roles in the lives of many young children, yet that relationship is not often explored in picture books. Ana is bereft until Mimí reminds her they will still be neighbors. Cicchese’s illustrations set the story in the present day. Warmth is displayed on every page through the matching sweaters that Mimí has knitted for Ana and herself, the waving Mimí depicted as a pink shadow when Ana goes to school, and sweet, toothless Pancho under a table, comforting Ana. Ana demonstrates growth as she comes to accept that circumstances can change and acknowledges she is lucky indeed to have Mami, Mimí, and eventually Abuela surrounding her with love and security. Simultaneously released in a Spanish edition. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.