Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/15/2023 *Starred Review* Ravi looks forward to his family’s annual vacation, when they join his two uncles, two aunts, and seven cousins, all sharing a house near the ocean and a lake. Ravi used to be the youngest child, but now baby Leela has that role, so Ravi joins his older cousins for wading, hiking, mini golf, biking, napping, and (on rainy days) puzzles. Encouraged by Dhruv, the eldest cousin and his favorite, Ravi is finally big enough to plunge into the lake from the tire swing. The grownups take turns making dinner each night until the last, when the kids take over for the final feast, followed by Ravi’s homemade ice cream (his favorite flavor and Dhruv’s too). Written in first person from Ravi’s point of view, the narrative records his activities, thoughts, and concerns while showing why his extended family and this annual event are important to him. Reflecting the warmth of the text, the digital illustrations are childlike, expressive, intensely colorful, and sometimes joyfully chaotic. While the book is richer for its inclusion of elements reflecting LaRocca and Alwar’s Indian American heritage, it really shines in its depiction of a happy, extended-family gathering, which is universally recognizable. A fond picture-book celebration of summer days and family ties. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/24/2023 K-Gr 3—Every summer, Ravi and his extended family journey to a rented house on the beach for a vacation spent all together. This year, everyone seems older, especially Ravi's oldest cousin Dhruv, and Ravi experiences some shyness around his more mature relative. But summer is for cousins, and it is also for ice cream, which gives Ravi the inspiration he needs to create a dessert that further enhances the close-knit bonds within his multifaceted family. The feeling of a childhood summer pours from the pages of this book thanks to its vibrant colors and dynamic visuals. The illustrations are an homage to the crayon-centric drawings children often create to document their memories, and visible outlines and cartoonlike imagery are used throughout. Overt facial features help readers recognize the emotions playing out on the faces of Ravi's family, as well. Told from Ravi's perspective, this story invites readers in from the first pages, and audiences will appreciate the joy that Ravi exudes while vacationing with his loved ones. This narrative speaks particularly strongly to families who come together from far away for a special week every year, though it is accessible as a window to readers who do not share Ravi's experiences. VERDICT This is a fun book to include in library collections that showcase families in their many forms.—Mary R. Lanni - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.