Catkwondo

May 15, 2020
A kitten claws her way to success in catkwondo. "Observe the new student. She is eager. She is energetic." She is also a gray, green-eyed kitten excited to break boards. Her sabeomnim, an elderly orange cat, gently guides her to take "One step at a time. In taekwondo, you must prepare both body and mind." Despite the kitty's excited first kicks and punches, she is unbalanced and lands on her bum with a "kerplunk!" Perfection does not come right away. Through practice at both the dojo and home, the kitten's skills grow as she learns the patterns of movement and techniques. Her fellow furry felines of all stripes and colors also aid her in her journey, eventually helping her earn a yellow belt and pounce on her initial goal of breaking a board in half. Korean and taekwondo terms are seamlessly incorporated in the narrative, which is followed by a glossary. The terse sentences are often punctuated with bright onomatopoeia in display type, accompanied by action-packed images. Hunting draws each cat with an oversized round head and huge, circular eyes against a backdrop of bright, contrasting colors, giving the book an energetic tone. In addition to the comic portrayal of cats, the plot lays bare the tenacity and hard work required to achieve a goal. A lighthearted introduction to the Korean martial art--this lively kitty entertains. (glossary) (Picture book 4-7)

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