Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2023 Whether it’s baked chicken, a mural in his daughter’s bedroom, or a jeweled crown for her fifth birthday, Ava’s father knows how to make things, and he excels at sewing dresses that he designs for her. When Ava learns that the upcoming ceremony marking the transition from kindergarten to first grade will entail her going onstage and reciting part of a poem aloud, stage fright takes hold, but she confides in Daddy. His solution involves taking Ava fabric shopping, working hard at sewing, and helping her learn the poem. While he struggles with the sewing project, she strives to memorize the verse. Diligent practice and the beautiful dress give Ava all the confidence she needs. In an author’s note, Gardner (creator of the Daddy Dressed Me blog), explains that growing up without a father made him determined to become the best father he could for his daughter, Ava. The simply written story rings true emotionally, and the attractive digital illustrations feature the warm relationship between a Black daughter and her father. A satisfying picture book. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/17/2023 PreS-Gr 2—Daddy makes the best oven-baked chicken, paints whimsical floral murals on her bedroom walls, and above all sews the most brilliant dresses. Ava, a young Black girl finishing kindergarten, is proud of her daddy's many talents and skills. One day at school, her teacher announces that the celebration of the class moving into first grade is quickly approaching. Ava is quite anxious about the thought of first grade. Will there still be crafts and story time? If that isn't enough, Ava is assigned to recite a poem onstage at the Move Up Day celebration. What if she cannot remember all of the words? Daddy comforts Ava with hugs, reassurance that he will help her prepare, and offers the idea of a new special dress. Ava knows one of Daddy's dresses would give her the extra boost of confidence she will need to shine on stage. Fisher's crisp, colorful digital illustrations directly express the text of this dynamic daddy-daughter duo's story. Back matter provides the "story behind the story," about the real Ava and her father, Michael. The deep bond and support shared between them on the page is sure to capture the hearts of readers who adore protagonists such as those in Matthew A. Cherry's Hair Love. VERDICT A vibrant #girldad story of patience, determination, and love makes this an easy purchase for all library collections.—Emily Brush - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.