Tae Kwon Do!

Children's Literature

Roll out the mats and start kicking! This book shows what happens in a Tae Kwon Do class for preschool and kindergarten children. The text consists of a number of active, one syllable verbs. Only a few words are on each page. Excellent illustrations accompany the text. The rhyming text and pictures combine as they teach about the ideas of taking care of your own equipment, cooperation, and respect. Diversity is shown with the mix of girls, boys, and youngsters from many backgrounds. In addition, class activities are conducted by a man and a woman. This "Ready to Read" (level 1) selection is from the Random House "Step into Reading" series. Early readers will use the picture clues and rhyming patterns to come away with a successful reading experience. All children can relate to the action even if they do not take Tae Kwon Do. Illustrations featuring active children are also a plus. Add this to library shelves for early readers and lookers. 2006, Random House, and Ages 3 to 6.
—Nancy Garhan Attebury

School Library Journal

PreS-K-This beginning reader follows a brother and his older sister through their Tae Kwon Do class from first bow to parting wave. The spare text uses repetition and familiar action words to highlight the activities. While the rhyme keeps the text moving, it's awkward at times: "We bow./We step in now." The warm colors of the illustrations are inviting, but the overly round, stylized figures create an impression that isn't as polished or as sharp as the sport. Girls will feel empowered; boys may feel slighted as their participation in the class is less showy. Overall, though, most kids will get a kick out of Tae Kwon Do!-H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

A brother and sister participate in their Tae Kwon Do class in a most welcome addition to the Step into Reading series. This level-one title sports predominantly one-syllable, short vowel words in two-to-four-word sentences. Spirited images and mainly well-chosen action words in rhyme will hook little boys: "We count. We yell. We all kick well." But the multicultural, coed students portrayed here, and the apparent accuracy of belt colors and class content, widen the applications. Bonita's illustrations depict cheerful, cartoonish kids with shiny button noses, impossibly pudgy feet and thighs like enrobed sausages, but the sparring, jabbing and block-busting yield a sure hit. Parents, teachers and librarians desperate for first-level, child-appealing readers will cheer out loud-and quite possibly execute a few joyous spinning kicks of their own-as they snap this one up. (Easy reader. 3-5)