Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/25/2021 PreS-Gr 2—A small girl with long black hair provides a first-person narration about her Sikh father, who has a beard and wears a turban over his own long black hair. Papa tames her hair with coconut oil, twisting it into a Rapunzel-esque braid; they both love the pink hair band she chooses. He brushes his beard, too, and whether their hair is up or down, braided or free-flowing, they share a new adventure each day. Mirchandani creates a celebration of love between a Sikh father and his daughter who connect through the strands of their silky hair. In a note, she explains the pieces of the tale that are about her own husband and small daughter; a photograph shows the bond between them. The cheerful narrative is uplifting and illuminates the reverence of hair by the Sikh community, with traditions that this family merges with the American landscape. Vibrant digital illustrations are a true delight as colorful portrayals of the fun dance from page to page. Hatam represents the characters with glowing brown skin and lovable facial expressions while capturing the story's spirit with wholesome scenes. VERDICT A diverse picture book filled with love, laughter, individuality, and lots of hair; this is a necessary addition to all library collections.—Suraya Jairam, Queens P.L., Hollis, NY - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.