Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 05/01/2015 K-Gr 2—In this realistic story, Xiao Le (pronounced Shall La) and his mother travel to visit his sick grandmother. At first, the preschooler is afraid of the woman, but throughout the day they develop a close bond. Later, at home, his mother tells him that Grandma has moved into heaven. Although Xiao Le's reaction is extremely matter-of-fact and childlike, he has deep empathy for his mother's grief, reminding her of happy memories and meaningful symbols of Grandma's life. Eventually, Xiao Le makes the natural connection between his Grandma leaving and the idea that his mother might leave, too. "Then all of a sudden he thought of something very important, 'Mom, don't go there to have afternoon tea with Grandma! Just stay here and drink tea with me, okay?'" and his mom reassures him, "'Heaven is too far to reach by train.'" Connections with the natural world are ingrained in both art and text; the moon reminds Xiao Le of Grandma frying an egg in heaven, and the rain reminds him of her washing clothes. The beautifully rendered watercolor illustrations are warm, realistic, and deeply human, with images of animals and plants prominent in each spread. American parents may be alarmed when Xiao Le helps by feeding his grandmother pills, but this small cultural difference shouldn't detract from the overall quality of the story. VERDICT This is a refreshing contemporary meditation on death and grief set outside the United States. The gentle story and luminous illustrations make a strong addition to most collections.—Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.