Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/04/2024 Gr 1–4—Eloísa's family is too poor to own a radio, but she can enjoy the music from her neighbor's radio and the songs of the birds if she sits by her special window. Cats and dogs, cows and horses lend their own kind of music as they pass by in the street. Eloísa's mother has been feverish and weak from a mysterious illness, but the day that the neighborhood children gather to play their instruments outside Eloísa's window, even Mama feels well enough to join the rest of the neighborhood in a dancing, singing fiesta. Based on a childhood experience of the author's mother in Cuba, the story is equal parts about Eloísa's love of music and her worry for her mother. While the story lacks dramatic tension and feels disjointed in places, the illustrations in acrylic and digital media evoke a loving family and the vitality of a community with a palette of aqua, greens, and muted red. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout, and two pages at the end describe typical instruments used in making Cuban music. VERDICT A gentle look at one family's community and culture.—Jan Aldrich Solow - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 10/04/2024 Gr 1–4—Eloísa's family is too poor to own a radio, but she can enjoy the music from her neighbor's radio and the songs of the birds if she sits by her special window. Cats and dogs, cows and horses lend their own kind of music as they pass by in the street. Eloísa's mother has been feverish and weak from a mysterious illness, but the day that the neighborhood children gather to play their instruments outside Eloísa's window, even Mama feels well enough to join the rest of the neighborhood in a dancing, singing fiesta. Based on a childhood experience of the author's mother in Cuba, the story is equal parts about Eloísa's love of music and her worry for her mother. While the story lacks dramatic tension and feels disjointed in places, the illustrations in acrylic and digital media evoke a loving family and the vitality of a community with a palette of aqua, greens, and muted red. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout, and two pages at the end describe typical instruments used in making Cuban music. VERDICT A gentle look at one family's community and culture.—Jan Aldrich Solow - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2024 Eloísa is concerned about her mother, who is weak and has a fever. Though the doctor has prescribed pigeon soup, Mamá still grows weaker. She loves music, but the family is too poor to buy a radio, so when their neighbor’s radio is playing music, Eloísa opens her musical window so that they can listen too. One day, a boy plays his guitar and a girl plays her flute just outside the window. As her brother, papá, and mamá gather to listen, the neighborhood children join in, playing maracas, bongo drums, a lute, and a cowbell. Others dance to the festive sound. Her fever gone, Mamá slowly begins to dance too, and all is well. Based on family stories that Engle’s mother once shared about her childhood in Cuba, this tale celebrates the power of music, family, and community. An appended double-page spread introduces 10 Cuban musical instruments. Parra’s digitally enhanced acrylic paintings have the directness, the warmth, and narrative quality of folk art, while placing the story within a distinctive setting. A heartening picture book. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.