Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2021 PreS-Gr 2—Fumbling with knitting needles, spilling garbage from a torn trash bag—an unnamed, aggravated young girl with brown skin and brown hair is feeling too small and inadequate for grown-up tasks. She wants to prove her maturity to her family. Inspiration strikes, although a bit out of the blue. Why not arrive at her family's party wearing one of her mother's elegant saris? After choosing the perfect green and yellow sari—not too plain, not too fancy, with the right amount of sparkle—the persistent young narrator demonstrates the step-by-step process of donning a sari. Readers learn that a blouse and petticoat are worn underneath and how to correctly tuck, wrap, and pleat the sari. The look is polished with a stylish brooch, jewelry, and sparkly sandals. Now the challenge will be to walk in those high-heeled sandals to show off her sophisticated outfit at her family gathering. Unsteady and wobbly, the young girl trips, sending food flying across a multigenerational family. On the bright side, the girl can now contribute a hilarious moment to the family's mishap hall of fame. Khiani's lighthearted, debut picture book is insightful for young readers unfamiliar with saris, relatable for accustomed readers, and despite feeling choppy and underwhelming in the conclusion, will entertain children. Lew-Vriethoff's illustrations are lively and fluid, appropriately matching the flowing movement of saris. VERDICT A welcomed, playful addition to a small selection of picture books available on this traditional attire.—Emily Brush, Novi P.L., MI - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 11/01/2021 This is a charming tale of a young girl eager to grow up and prove herself. Amusingly, she finds the perfect venue for that in her mother's closet. When dressing up goes wrong, she ends up causing a ruckus that's worthy of the family history books. Most of the book showcases the protagonist's inner monologue: she's constantly concerned with what others think of her, and she's laser-focused on impressing. The thing that will show them all? Arriving at the big family get-together in a sari. She chooses the perfect one, fumbles with the mechanics of putting it on (it's not easy), accessorizes, and, as a finishing touch, dons the perfect high heels. When it's time for the big reveal, she only proves she's not as grown up as she thinks, tripping over the flowing sari, and a cascade of misadventure ensues. She's rightly punished, but the comedy is not lost on the very adults she set out to impress. Young readers will see themselves in this lighthearted story, and the colorful and fun illustrations will delight. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.