Review - Catkwondo

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

Review - The Tooth Fairy vs. Santa

The Tooth Fairy vs. Santa
by Jamie L. B. Deenihan
illustrated by Erin Hunting
Date: 2019
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Santa and the Tooth Fairy go head-to-head in this funny, festive picture book perfect for the holidays!

Blue can't wait to complete his first mission to become a Tooth Fairy. So when he arrives at a child's house to collect her tooth and leave a coin, he's surprised to see Santa there. Turns out it's Christmas Eve, and jolly old Saint Nick is not ready to share the holiday! A competition to claim the night begins, but who will win the battle--Santa or the Tooth Fairy?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is actually a pretty entertaining story about a trainee Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus competing for Christmas Eve.

The story is mostly about Blue, who wants to be a Tooth Fairy. He writes the exams and does well; all he has to do is complete one assignment and collect a tooth from 5-year-old Veda. But when Blue arrives at her house, he finds that Santa Claus is already there... and Santa doesn't want to share the spotlight. They agree to have a contest, and the winner gets Christmas Eve. But as they're competing, they find a letter from Veda and are reminded of what's actually important.

The text is well written and the illustrations, done in a cartoonish style, are fun. I'm not sure why Santa is so selfish at the beginning (that's probably my only quibble with the story), but it works for plot purposes.

Overall, this is a fun story that combines two mythologies to create a cute holiday narrative. Kids anticipating their first visit from the Tooth Fairy (or another visit from Santa) will probably enjoy this one.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5