Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/23/2023 K-Gr 2—Kim returns with Danbi to celebrate Korean Children's Day. Danbi, seven, is determined to have a great celebration but oversells it to her four friends, promising kites, trains, and magic. Her parents, who are busy running their deli, try to meet as many of Danbi's requests as possible. Everyone pitches in to prepare. Although her mom warns of rain, the party starts outside with gifts of chalk for each friend. Things are just getting started when the dark skies open up. Everyone scurries from the alley into the store where boredom sets in. Danbi, ever determined, begins to assemble the "best sandwich" that soon balloons into a volcano of whip cream and sauces. Now everyone wants to make one. The sun reappears so the partygoers head back outside. Traditional honey cake along with the promised chocolate chip cookies are served. The beautiful multicolored cake is devoured; at the day's end the five friends come together to draw a mural on the alley wall celebrating their day. That night Danbi with her family declares the day the best. On the final page Danbi shows her little sibling the wonderful mural. VERDICT Beautiful and detailed illustrations convey the energy of this distinct and diverse group of friends. This spirited and hopeful story of family, friendship, and inclusivity is recommended for every library.—Elisabeth LeBris - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/01/2023 This upbeat follow-up to Danbi Leads the School Parade (2020) channels the same messages of positivity and inclusivity. Young Korean immigrant Danbi is eager to celebrate her favorite day of the year with her classmates. Children’s Day, where “all your wishes come true,” is celebrated in Korea. But instead of a huge party, Danbi’s mom offers up a small one behind their deli as she and Danbi’s father have to work that day. Danbi’s mom gently reminds her that Children’s Day isn’t just about things; it’s about “celebrating all the children on Earth who will one day lead the world.” A thunderstorm threatens the celebration on the day of the party, but Danbi finds a way to raise everyone’s spirits. Author Kim presents striking digital illustrations created from watercolor, graphite, ink, and colored pencil. The characters are rendered with a wide range of skin tones and hair textures. Their facial expressions and exuberant energy leap off the pages. A joyful, inclusive celebration filled with hope. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.