Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles

by Oliver Chin and Charlene Chua

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...

• 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: Preschool to Grade 1

Customer Reviews

Kung Fu Girl Story

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

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

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-

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!

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...