Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2023 Gr 3–7—Newbery and Caldecott Honor author/illustrator Lin (Where the Mountain Meets the Moon) delivers a scrumptious smorgasbord of folktales, myths, and origins of popular items on the menu. The contents read like a who's who of favorite foods on a Chinese menu, from dumplings, to teas, to fortune cookies. Highly researched, the book delves into each delicacy, telling where and when the foods originated. Each dish starts off with the author sharing childhood and family memories, an explanation of what the dish contains, and the significance of the dish in the Chinese culture (or whether it is simply a dish that Chinese restaurants have created to please the American palate). Following this is the true heart of the book: a folktale or myth to tell the story behind the food. In one, a dog with nine tails travels to the heavens to find rice grains, returning with just one tail, but also with the rice seeds, thus explaining why dogs have one tail and where rice came from. Each of these folktales can stand alone and holds up to rereadings, of which there will be many. Appetites will be ignited as tweens will want to try dishes new to them, and to rediscover their old favorites. Lin's gorgeous, identifiable gouache and pencil illustrations add charm and depth to each item. Included is a food origin time line, a family recipe for scallion pancakes, end notes, bibliography, and index. VERDICT Not to be missed, grab your chopsticks, some oolong tea, and dive into this culinary treasure trove.—Michele Shaw - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 07/23/2023 *Starred Review* Author Lin’s parents were Taiwanese immigrants, and she grew up using chopsticks (or trying to, at least) and eating Chinese food. She shares her love of traditional Chinese fare by offering a combination of warm, personal reminiscences, food-related customs and superstitions, and numerous Chinese folk tales (she indicates she tried to stay as close as possible to original versions but admits to occasional edits and additions). The result is an engaging immersion into Chinese culture, incorporating elements that range in origin from ancient to modern times and from imperial courts to family dinner tables. Main sections consider chopsticks, tea, appetizers, soup, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. Each begins with a description of the item, its history and significance in Chinese society (or the lack thereof, for dishes such as egg rolls or fortune cookies), variations (along with exhortations to try new and unfamiliar versions), and offers three or four stories, complemented by intriguing illustrations that often evoke ancient scrolls. Lin brings in history, geography, and celebrities (Kung Pao, General Tso) and finishes up with chapter notes, an extensive bibliography, and her mother’s recipe for scallion pancakes. This celebration of Chinese cuisine and culture is factual, engaging, and mouthwatering. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.