Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2020 Award-winner Browne borrowed from Frida Kahlo's own diary when creating this childhood account of imaginary adventures. Told in first person, the story explains how, after contracting polio at the age of six, Frida was left with a permanent limp. Other children make fun of her, causing her to retreat into her own world. She dreams of flying and asks for a toy plane for her birthday. When disappointment comes, she conjures up an escape to a land where she can run freely and have adventures with a strange, beautiful little girl. Even after she returns home, Frida realizes she can visit the other little girl whenever she wants. As the story develops, adult readers familiar with Kahlo's work will recognize themes and recurring iconic images from her art. Young audiences will enjoy the developing fantasy and appreciate little Frida's happiness in finding a friend. The lush illustrations are equally evocative of Kahlo's and Browne's signature styles, and back matter fills in biographical details. This is a handsome addition for picture-book biography collections. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.