Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 07/19/2024 PreS-Gr 2—Following the death of a deeply loved family member, Argentinian author Mendez shows how preparing a favorite family recipe can provide healing. It is Mami's first birthday since the death of her mother, Monona. Even though her son Sebi, daughter Star, and husband bring her breakfast, cards, and flowers in bed on her birthday, they know Mami is still sad because her mother is in heaven. As a surprise, Sebi suggests that they make grandma Monona's empanada recipe for dinner while Mami is at work. Even though the grandmother's empanada recipe calls for a "generous shake of my secret ingredient," the three decide to prepare the recipe anyway. While at the market gathering supplies, Sebi and Star learn that empanadas are one of the "pockets of love" prepared around the world. From dumplings to turnovers, pasteles to egg rolls, "pockets of love" can be sweet or savory, fried or baked, but they always have a filling wrapped with dough as well as "love and a taste from home." Mami is delighted with the surprise dinner and informs her family that love is, and always was, the secret ingredient. From the cozy, colorful home to the bustling downtown market, the cheerful illustrations show a supportive, brown-skinned family that embraces their heritage. Spanish phrases are sprinkled throughout, and the end notes include the recipes for empanada dough and beef picadillo filling. VERDICT A heartwarming story reassuring readers that cooking cherished family recipes preserves precious memories while creating new ones.—Sally A. James - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 07/19/2024 PreS-Gr 2—Following the death of a deeply loved family member, Argentinian author Mendez shows how preparing a favorite family recipe can provide healing. It is Mami's first birthday since the death of her mother, Monona. Even though her son Sebi, daughter Star, and husband bring her breakfast, cards, and flowers in bed on her birthday, they know Mami is still sad because her mother is in heaven. As a surprise, Sebi suggests that they make grandma Monona's empanada recipe for dinner while Mami is at work. Even though the grandmother's empanada recipe calls for a "generous shake of my secret ingredient," the three decide to prepare the recipe anyway. While at the market gathering supplies, Sebi and Star learn that empanadas are one of the "pockets of love" prepared around the world. From dumplings to turnovers, pasteles to egg rolls, "pockets of love" can be sweet or savory, fried or baked, but they always have a filling wrapped with dough as well as "love and a taste from home." Mami is delighted with the surprise dinner and informs her family that love is, and always was, the secret ingredient. From the cozy, colorful home to the bustling downtown market, the cheerful illustrations show a supportive, brown-skinned family that embraces their heritage. Spanish phrases are sprinkled throughout, and the end notes include the recipes for empanada dough and beef picadillo filling. VERDICT A heartwarming story reassuring readers that cooking cherished family recipes preserves precious memories while creating new ones.—Sally A. James - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 09/01/2024 Wanting to make their mother’s birthday special, siblings Sebi and Star decide to make empanadas, like their recently departed grandmother Monona always did. Armed with Monona’s recipe, the pair head to the grocery store with Papi to shop for ingredients. Along the way, they discover that most cultures have a “pocket of love”—a recipe for a dumpling or stuffed pastry. Their grandmother's recipe calls for a secret ingredient that stumps the siblings. Can they replicate their grandmother’s empanadas and bring a smile to their mother’s face? Pura Belpré winner Méndez deals with death and loss sensitively and gently, showing children how to celebrate life and remember those no longer with us. A wonderful two-page spread, depicting and naming “pocket” foods from around the world, highlights cultural commonalities and the pleasure of sharing good food. In delicate, cheerful multimedia illustrations, Palacios (herself a Pura Belpré Honor Book winner) scatters musical notes, stars, hearts, and flowers, concretely illustrating the characters’ feelings and emotions. A recipe for empanadas concludes. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.