Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 01/01/2022 Julia Child’s grandnephew and coauthor of her memoir, My Life in France (2006), brings Child’s zesty, larger-than-life persona to a story as exuberant as the extraordinary chef. Curious and adventurous by nature, Child didn’t start her career in the kitchen; rather, she worked as a typist during WWII for a U.S. spy agency, where she met her future husband, Paul. Dense but engaging text relays Child's life with Paul after the war and how one lavish meal in France changed the trajectory of her life, inspiring her to pursue her culinary education and to share her knowledge with others. Lively, food-laden digital illustrations in vibrant hues capture Child’s hunger for knowledge and general joie de vivre. Prud’homme, who peppers the text with direct quotes, honors Child’s genuine fondness for flavorful food and her devotion to spreading joy through the craft of cooking. Back matter includes a lengthy author’s note, further resources, and, for budding chefs, Child’s recipe for “oeufs Brouillés” (scrambled eggs). An enthusiastic biography readers should relish—bon appétit! - Copyright 2022 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 02/01/2022 K-Gr 3—Beloved Julia Child is the subject of this delightful picture book biography, told with lively text and charming illustrations; these latter perfectly capture Child's gangly 6' 2" frame and expressive face (as well as delicious looking food). From a young woman who could only boil water and make toast, to the creator of a wartime recipe for shark repellent, Child only began to appreciate good food during a revelatory meal with her new husband in France, which was, as she described later, "The most exciting meal of my life!" She attended the famous French Cordon Bleu cooking school, the only woman in her class, and later opened her own school with two friends, teaching her students the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and not rushing through recipes, which she had done in her youth (with disastrous results). Although the text does not cover Child's great success as an author or her many popular TV shows and guest appearances, these are included in an extensive author's note. Prud'homme, who collaborated with her on her memoir My Life in France, is Child's grandnephew. Back matter includes a bibliography of books by and about Child, websites, exhibitions, and a rather complicated recipe for French scrambled eggs. VERDICT So many life lessons here, including one about following passion where it leads, make this an exemplary offering for the biography shelves.—Sue Morgan - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.