The Five Forms

Starred review from July 31, 2017
A girl finds an old book with instructions for “forms,” postures taught in Chinese martial arts that “release the power of the animals they represent.” Despite the book’s warning (“There could be unexpected results”), the girl tries the poses alone in her room. As she attempts the first, crane, stretching out her arms and standing on one leg, an enormous crane appears behind her, playing havoc with her possessions and tugging on her ponytail. More poses—leopard, snake, dragon—bring those creatures to life. The pages can barely contain the resulting chaos as the animals chase one another through the girl’s house, their faces shining with cheer. The creatures initially appear as Chinese-style ink paintings that grow from the girl’s shadow before materializing fully, and McClintock’s graceful draftsmanship makes this visual magic work. In order to restore calm, the book instructs, the girl must enter a state of mental repose. Young martial arts students will recognize the need for masters to harness the power of the mind; that this practitioner wears a pink hoodie makes such power seem in the reach of any kid. Ages 4–7. Agent: Jennie Dunham, Dunham Literary.

September 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-In this energetic picture book, veteran author-illustrator McClintock tells the tale of a strange book found on a library book drop that turns an ordinary day magical. A young girl with brown skin finds a handmade book that explains how to do five forms of ancient Chinese martial arts. As she masters the poses, she brings giant animals to life and they cause a ruckus in her house. McClintock borrows five animal forms from Chinese martial arts traditions-the crane, leopard, snake, dragon, and the one that "returns everything to the way it was." The endpapers have ink drawings of the animals and stylized Chinese characters, and an author's note describes her connection to Chinese martial arts. Humorous ink, gouache, and watercolor paintings are expressive and bright, with the books and dolls in the girls room flinging around gleefully. VERDICT Those looking for informational books on martial arts and the different forms and traditions will need to look elsewhere, but this joyful story will tickle young readers.-Lisa Nowlain, Nevada County Community Library, CA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2017
Preschool-G Hee-yah! Most kids are fascinated with martial arts, as is our unnamed heroine. She finds a book about ancient Chinese animal forms and, despite warnings that they're for experts only, begins to carefully replicate each pose. She starts with the Crane, and is startled when an actual crane appears and starts wreaking havoc. She reads that the Leopard will overpower the Crane, so that pose comes next, followed by the Snake and then the Dragon. Each new apparition adds to the mayhem, as lamps and end tables go flying. The final form restores serenity, and the girl barely manages to restore order just as Mom comes home with a surprise: tickets to the zoo. McClintock's vibrant graphic novellike illustrations use black outlines to set off the girl's careful modeling of each pose, and multihued watercolor overlays convincingly portray the increasingly frenetic action. The story is told through the pictures, with concise word bubble and brief background snippet reinforcement. McClintock's books are always in demand, and this timely offering will delight audiences.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)