Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2023 K-Gr 2—It is Corina's birthday, and as a special gift, she is able to select her favorite flowers from Abuela's garden to use to make her corona. With help from Abuela, Corina learns about selecting flowers that hold special meaning to her, which will help tell the story of who she is. Corina thinks about her family and selects flowers that remind her of them: sunflowers, morning glories, coneflowers, and more. She also makes sure to select blooms that symbolize who Corina would like to be. Corina's crown of flowers is finally ready as her birthday guests arrive, and she shares the story of her corona and thinks about her family and their story long into the night. Lush watercolor illustrations showcase Abuela's garden and the joy that is bursting inside of Corina. Colorful and vivid spreads welcome readers to the garden and the celebrations, sharing the beauty of Corina's world and the love shared with family and friends. The text follows Corina and Abuela as they enjoy this important time together, with Corina asking Abuela about the corona as she explores the garden, and Abuela sharing the importance of family. VERDICT A gorgeous picture book celebrating tradition, family, and memories. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.—Selenia Paz - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2023 It is Corina's birthday, and Abuela is helping her build a birthday crown using beautiful flowers from her garden. Abuela explains that “every flower in your crown must tell your story . . . who you are and where you come from.” Corina eagerly explores the garden, finding connections between the flowers and important people or things in her life. She picks bluebonnets, a sunflower, sword lilies, morning glories, and coneflowers to adorn her crown, and she shares the story of its meaning with her guests. She wears it into the night as she reflects upon a starry sky, finding a strong sense of self and welcoming the year to come. Kemp movingly uses the setting of Abuela's flower garden to encourage young readers to explore their roots and who they might want to be. Corina's crown ultimately represents her identity and sense of belonging, and the bright and bustling artwork, jam-packed with colorful flowers of all kinds, emphasizes how lively and wide-ranging Corina's connections can be. A warm meditation on family, perfect for sharing with a grandparent. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2023 It is Corina's birthday, and Abuela is helping her build a birthday crown using beautiful flowers from her garden. Abuela explains that “every flower in your crown must tell your story . . . who you are and where you come from.” Corina eagerly explores the garden, finding connections between the flowers and important people or things in her life. She picks bluebonnets, a sunflower, sword lilies, morning glories, and coneflowers to adorn her crown, and she shares the story of its meaning with her guests. She wears it into the night as she reflects upon a starry sky, finding a strong sense of self and welcoming the year to come. Kemp movingly uses the setting of Abuela's flower garden to encourage young readers to explore their roots and who they might want to be. Corina's crown ultimately represents her identity and sense of belonging, and the bright and bustling artwork, jam-packed with colorful flowers of all kinds, emphasizes how lively and wide-ranging Corina's connections can be. A warm meditation on family, perfect for sharing with a grandparent. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.