Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/22/2021 PreS-Gr 2—In a glowing tribute to mothers, here is one hip parent who spends quality time with her child. Illustrated banners throughout the tale begin with the words "Your Mama" and continue with a description which is pictured on the pages, such as, "Your Mama So Sweet," "Your Mama So Strong," and "Your Mama So Funny." The rhythmic text is lively while vibrant, detailed illustrations reveal the many activities mother and daughter share, such as baking, road trips, birthday parties, and singing along with the car radio. "She got friends at work, at church, around the 'hood. Life is good." English text with a smattering of Spanish words fit with the illustrations of a brown-skinned Latinx mother and young daughter. This mama brings verve to everything she does, whether sewing costumes for her child, attending Parents' Night at school dressed in a flowing orange dress, or taking her girl to the library. With long, wavy black hair; large gold hoop earrings; and heeled knee-high boots decorated with red roses; this mama has as much energy as her child. VERDICT An essential purchase, this contemporary, high-spirited salute to motherhood is a warm and welcoming valentine to family and love.—Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek P.L., WI - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/15/2021 *Starred Review* This snappy tribute celebrates the fierce awesomeness of sweet, strong, funny, woke, brainiac mamas. Using rhythmic stanzas that swing, a brown-skinned little girl begins each double-page spread with a “your mama” observation (“Your mama dress so fine, she could have her own clothing line,” “Your mama so forgiving, she lets you keep on living”). The bright, vibrant illustrations, with text in a playful retro-tattoo style, pop off the pages, showing the girl and her mother in all sorts of circumstances: going to the library, to vote, on a picnic, and a road trip, and even just the two of them in their apartment. There are multiple references to Spanish food (“She’s the cinnamon to your tembleque, the tres leches to your cake), including some comida deliciosa at an extended family gathering. Near the end, readers are told they'll never understand how much their mama loves them, and that they're their mama's hope, prayer, push, pull, and miracle. By this point, kids will be all over that message and will be more than happy to give mamas everywhere an appropriate send-off: “So let's give her two snaps, a circle, and a twist. Mad dap, a hug, and a kiss. This joyous celebration makes a perfect read-aloud for Mother's Day—and every day. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.