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 Ana is beyond excited for her abuela to move in with her and her mom, especially since it will mean she no longer has to be babysat by her upstairs neighbor, la Señora Mimí. Ana thinks she will have constant playtime and freedom once her abuela moves in, but she soon realizes everything she loves and appreciates about la Señora Mimí—from her cute baby to her sweet dog, Pancho—and how much she will miss being walked to and from school by a neighbor friend who cares about her. Medina’s heartfelt story explores the unique bonds children have with nonfamilial caregivers who become chosen family. Even when Abuela moves in, Ana makes an effort to keep Señora Mimí in her life, hanging out at the park and eating snacks together. While initially Ana sees Señora Mimí’s rules as frustrating, she comes to realize that her neighbor is performing an act of kindness every day so that her mother can go to work. A heartwarming tale about a community that comes together to raise a child. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.