Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2023 PreS-Gr 3—Mai loves to play the crocodile chomp with Papa. Papa chomps his hands together and Mai always laughs because "Crocodiles were scary, but Papa was not." One day Papa says an extra long goodbye to Mai and Mama, then leaves Vietnam to look for a new home for them all. When word finally arrives from Papa, Mama and Mai set out to join him, taking very little with them. During the long and difficult journey, first by foot, then by boat, Mai comforts herself by playing crocodile chomp on her own. The pair eventually make their way to America where, dressed in new clothes, they see an unfamiliar man with a mustache approaching through a crowd. Mai doesn't recognize the man and hides behind Mama's legs, but her fears disappear when the man kneels and does the crocodile chomp. The illustrations infuse the story with warmth and keep even the most harrowing parts of the journey from feeling too scary for children. The love in Mai's family is palpable, shown both by physical affection and the fact that they are never far from each other's thoughts. An author's note explains more about the true events of the book, and an artist's note provides further historical and personal context as well. VERDICT Reassuring despite depicting a dangerous journey and uncertain time; there are many children for whom this is not history, but family stories. Essential.—Heather Webb - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2023 *Starred Review* Stunning illustrations and gentle text tell the story of a separated family’s heartrending and hopeful journey from Vietnam to the U.S. Young Mai loves playing with her papa, especially when it's their special crocodile game. But one morning, Papa gives her an extra-long hug, gives her mama an extra-big kiss, and cries at the end of their street before he leaves. Papa does not return home that night, or many nights after, but does send letters. Mama explains that Papa left to find them a new home. The lengthening of hair suggests the passage of time before, one day, Mama packs a bag and tells Mai that they are leaving to go find Papa. They sneak quietly through their village and wade through a river to a boat, where they embark on a treacherous journey. Like others on the boat, they are scared and longing to reunite with their families. Intimate full-color pictures created with minimal strokes pull readers tenderly into each scene. Emotions brim on the characters’ faces, capturing joyful moments and hardship as well as the differing perspectives between adult and child characters. Back matter provides historical and personal context with information about author Krans’ and illustrator Bui’s own childhood journeys from Vietnam to the U.S. in the early 1980s and late 1970s, respectively. A beautifully moving collaboration of lyrical text and striking illustrations. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2023 *Starred Review* Stunning illustrations and gentle text tell the story of a separated family’s heartrending and hopeful journey from Vietnam to the U.S. Young Mai loves playing with her papa, especially when it's their special crocodile game. But one morning, Papa gives her an extra-long hug, gives her mama an extra-big kiss, and cries at the end of their street before he leaves. Papa does not return home that night, or many nights after, but does send letters. Mama explains that Papa left to find them a new home. The lengthening of hair suggests the passage of time before, one day, Mama packs a bag and tells Mai that they are leaving to go find Papa. They sneak quietly through their village and wade through a river to a boat, where they embark on a treacherous journey. Like others on the boat, they are scared and longing to reunite with their families. Intimate full-color pictures created with minimal strokes pull readers tenderly into each scene. Emotions brim on the characters’ faces, capturing joyful moments and hardship as well as the differing perspectives between adult and child characters. Back matter provides historical and personal context with information about author Krans’ and illustrator Bui’s own childhood journeys from Vietnam to the U.S. in the early 1980s and late 1970s, respectively. A beautifully moving collaboration of lyrical text and striking illustrations. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.