Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/01/2023 Count from one to ten in Spanish and English with award-winning author-illustrator Tonatiuh in this bilingual book about Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead. Exploring the tradition of building an altar, the book begins by counting one portrait, two incense burners, three beverages, four tamales, and so on, until reaching a round of ten family members and friends around the elaborate scene. Spanish, followed by the English translation, appears in every spread, and the depiction of each character is celebratory in its own form, featuring a wide range of shades of brown skin tones in Tonatiuh’s signature art style. An author's note offering more information about this important celebration and tradition (also in both Spanish and English) closes out this engaging book emphasizing the importance of honoring loved ones long gone. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/01/2023 PreS-Gr 1—Tonatiuh has created a wonderful counting book that is visually appealing and educational. Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in Mexico, the United States, and Latin American countries for honoring the dead through music, food, and traditions. This bilingual counting book counts from one to 10, with each page highlighting a number and a food (tamales, panes de muerto) or items (incense, candles) that are placed on an altar. Readers will not only practice counting but also take in the illustrations that Tonatiuh is notable for, based on Mixtec codex. They blend the look of textures and style reminiscent of the past, making this book feel authentic to the subject. An author's note at the end includes a brief description of the holiday. People of various ages and abilities, including a child using a wheelchair, are portrayed in the book. Written in Spanish and English, it presents many opportunities for readers to learn about the holiday and its rich traditions, as well as to learn counting. VERDICT A great choice for libraries looking to add holiday or counting books to their collection for younger children.—Katie Llera - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.