Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles
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Book Overview
Can Julie learn kung fu and get her black belt? Real kid power is more inspirational than Kung Fu Panda or The Karate Kid!
When Julie takes a kung fu class, she thinks getting a black belt will be easy. But her bold teacher says guess again! Since practice takes patience, Julie wonders, what would her movie idol Brandy Wu do? Can Julie take her lessons to heart, and exercise both her mind and body? Then will she develop the self-confidence and discipline necessary to take the Yellow belt test and show her brother, parents, and heroine the true "spirit" of this sport?Children and parents identify with Julie's attitude and journey. She is a modern, refreshing character who leads a diverse class and displays authentic girl power. This is an engaging introduction of martial arts to young children who enroll in after school programs. Inspired by a real girl in a taekwondo class, this story's lessons are applicable to any martial art, such as karate, ju-jitsu, aikido, judo, and wrestling.
Like real youngsters, Julie learns by doing. Teachers appreciate how the story promotes respect, conflict resolution, and self-defense, which in turn improves focus and concentration. Training builds confidence and social skills and improves physical fitness (coordination, balance, posture). Artist Charlene Chua's vibrant illustrations capture Julie's high-flying action and her evolving commitment with dynamic energy. The adventures continue in Julie Black Belt: The Belt of Fire! "Practice makes perfect. That's what Julie learns in her beginning kung fu class along with lessons about dedication and determination. (She thinks getting a black belt will be a snap.)...a high-action story that encourages deep reflection despite the action movie look."- San Francisco Chronicle
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:1597020095
ISBN13:9781597020091
Release Date:September 2008
Publisher:Immedium
Length:36 Pages
Weight:0.84 lbs.
Dimensions:0.3" x 8.9" x 10.8"
Age Range:5 to 6 years
Grade Range:Kindergarten to Grade 1
Related Subjects
Children's Children's Books Girls & Women Literature & Fiction Martial Arts Sports & OutdoorsCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
Kung Fu Girl Story
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
An impatient young girl begins training in Kung Fu (Chinese martial arts), wondering how fast she can obtain a black belt. The cover picture illustrates how she imagines herself. The story follows her as she learns basic stances and movements. Gradually, she learns the value of patience, perseverance and perfecting through practice. The book culminates with Julie undergoing her first belt test. Will she pass it? Although this book is not worthy of Caldecott Medal consideration, it is still nicely done on an obscure topic. The illustrator's work correctly shows Kung Fu movements and stances, with the exception of the "horse stance" where there is a silly misconception of a horse standing up on its hind legs with no rider on its back. The author, Oliver Chin, answers basic questions on the primary grade level. He can identify with the typical thoughts and fantasies of young martial arts beginners. This book does not degrade the value of a black belt. For ages 4-8.
GREAT ASIAN GIRL'S BOOK
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
My co-worker's 5 year old daughter wanted to take ballet; her father wanted her to take martial arts. I bought the book for her and she loved it. Her father did too!
Wonderful and Inspiring
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
My six year old happens to be named Julie. She just earned her purple belt in Taekwondo. We were astonished and overjoyed to stumble over this book. It is wonderful for any young aspiring martial artist - especially for girls. Beautiful book !!!
Wonderful picturebook ideal for helping get young girls excited about the prospect of learning self-
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles is a picturebook about a young girl who learns how to study martial arts. She dreams that learning kung fu will make her more like a movie star, but is surprised to find out how much hard work is involved! But her teacher encourages her; "A black belt is just a white belt that doesn't quit." Julie learns how to incorporate her martial arts practice into her daily life; when the day of her gold belt test comes, she's nervous but passes with flying colors, earning a special prize - an autographed photo of her favorite celebrity, Brandy Wu! The utterly exuberant artwork enhances this wonderful picturebook ideal for helping get young girls excited about the prospect of learning self-defense.
Awesome!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Julie Black Belt is a delightful story which teaches children perseverance! Not to mention that the book gives them a great visual/textual introduction to the high-flying stylized world of martial arts kicks and jumps. I know there's a whole lot more to martial arts other than "spectacular physical moves", but that's perhaps another (philosophical) story, for another time. Through the character, Julie, children find out that there are no short cuts to success. She has to work very hard to earn each belt as she progresses through the various levels of Kung Fu (Kung Fu being a popular term that has become synonymous with Chinese martial arts. However, in Chinese, kung fu can be used in contexts completely unrelated to martial arts...but I guess that, also, is another story for another time). Of course, the captivating illustrations of this book are a total visual treat!! They are the illustrations of the award-winning, Toronto-based illustrator, Charlene Chua, who specializes in sleek vector artwork. The drawings/illustrations are bold, contemporary, and eye-catching -- and aptly complement the story from cover to cover. Dang, this makes me wish I was a kid when this book first appeared on the market...
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