Catkwondo
by Lisl F. Detlefsen
illustrated by Erin Hunting
Date: 2020
Publisher: Capstone Editions
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley
Kitten wants to a break a board, and she wants to do it now. But Tae Kwon Do is not easy. Kitten must focus. She must practice. And above all, she must be patient. Will Kitten's determination and dedication pay off when it's finally time to break a board? Author Lisl Detlefsen delivers a turbo-charged story filled with action, fun, and encouragement. Korean phrases are intermixed throughout Catkwondo, and the Tae Kwon Do Oath and a Tae Kwon Do glossary complete this energetic picture book.
(synopsis from Goodreads)
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical going into this one. But it's actually really cute and teaches some basic terms about taekwondo while it's telling a simple story about a kitten with a goal.
Kitten really wants to break a board. But first, she has to learn the basics. She eventually earns her yellow belt. But she's still not quite ready to break that board. More practice (and patience) is necessary. But when it finally comes time to give that board-breaking a try, will Kitten be able to do it?
The illustrations are a little too cutesy for my taste, but they are amusing. The story is populated by anthropomorphized cats. There's a great glossary at the back (with a pronunciation guide) that explains the Korean words used throughout the story.
This might find the best audience in kids who are just starting out in taekwondo themselves, but it offers a great introduction to readers who don't know much about taekwondo at all. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. I'd definitely recommend checking this one out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for providing a digital ARC.
Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Overall: 4 out of 5
No comments:
Post a Comment