Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 02/01/2022 PreS-Gr 2—Rocio is melancholy in her new home in the United States. She misses her grandmother, aunt, and cousins, with whom she used to live in Central America. With her birthday is approaching, Rocio remembers Abuela's small grocery store and the fresh fruit, pan dulce, and the colorful piñatas that Rocio loved so much. Most of all, she thinks of the extra sweet coffee and tortillas her grandmother used to make for her. The English narrative is interspersed with Spanish words that tell of family love and warm memories that help a young girl adapt to her home. The expressive digital illustrations are set in panels and full spreads, using curved lines and shades of red and blue to emphasize the essence of the lost home and the loved ones left behind. This picture book could be used in a social unit covering cultural traits and family migration. The subject matter, although intrinsically sad, is brightened by the skillfully lighthearted art, which complements the plot and leaves readers with the sense that there are more memories yet to be created. VERDICT An endearing picture book that could work well in a preschool story time or first grade school activity about family ties and migration.—Kathia Ibacache - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 04/15/2022 *Starred Review* YA novelist Sanches makes her picture-book debut with a story about the heartaches of leaving what you know and love for a new, unknown place. When Rocio moves to the U.S. with her parents, it means leaving Abuela, Tia Rosa, and her cousin behind in Central America. She reminisces about her abuela’s store and her warm greeting “Hola, mi amor!,” as well as the smell of burnt sugar, pan dulce, and fresh fruits. Rocio also recalls the soft rustle of crepe paper streamers covering the colorful piñatas made by Abuela and regrets not asking for one to have in her new bedroom in the U.S. Brazilian illustrator Ceolin brings rich color and traditional designs to the story, blending Rocio’s heritage and memories into her new life. While the girl’s heart longs for familiar smells and surroundings, a surprise delivery helps her begin to feel settled. Awakening to her family singing “Las Mañanitas,” Rocio discovers a big package waiting for her from Abuela. Inside the box, she finds a handmade piñata and Abuela's delicious tortillas! Seeing the words, “con mucho amor,” written upon the box, Rocio understands that the love between her and her family can bridge any distance. This tender, reassuring portrait of family and home is also available in Spanish (Con mucho amor, 2022). - Copyright 2022 Booklist.