Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2022 K-Gr 2—Juna's favorite day of the week is usually Saturday, when she can join Appa at their dry-cleaning store. They always end the day eating carne asada tacos at the food truck across the street. But on this Saturday a very angry customer has set both Appa and Juna on edge as they look for the man's missing coat. Even though Juna tries to be helpful, she just seems to get in the way. As she waits for her appa, she is transported to the natural world, where she learns about how animal fathers care for their young. This inevitably makes her think of how Appa takes care of her, bringing Juna and readers back to the shop. Although it is never revealed if the excursions to animal habitats are simply daydreaming or a bit of magical realism, readers will eagerly go along with Juna in her explorations. Detailed watercolors in muted tones add to the magical atmosphere. Back matter includes information about these special father/child relationships and an author's note explains a personal connection to the story. Some readers might be disappointed that the central conflict, a customer losing his coat, is never resolved, but this is a good jumping-off point for group discussion or a writing activity. VERDICT As a window into Korean American culture and a reminder of the importance of parents throughout the animal kingdom, this title will be a welcome addition to many collections.—Louie Lauer - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/01/2022 Juna loves Saturdays when she can spend the day at her father’s dry-cleaning shop, helping him and enjoying his company. One day, Appa is preoccupied, and Juna has to keep out of his way. The warm steam of the pants presser makes her dreamy, and her imagination takes flight. In her dream, she is helping her father find a customer’s missing jacket. When she tries to help Appa in reality, though, he brushes her aside in his own worry about finding the jacket. Gentle watercolor illustrations mirror the text and capture the close and caring relationship that Juna and Appa share, as well as her feelings of vulnerability when she feels she isn’t needed. In the author’s note, we learn that the story has some autobiographical elements, and that this is a tribute to Park’s parents and the happy memories she had in their dry-cleaning shop, even while they were preoccupied with work responsibilities. This lovely message will resonate with empathetic readers everywhere. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.