

Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles
Title: Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles
Author: Oliver Chin
Illustrator: Charlene Chua
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: Immedium
Review: There are so many reasons why the martial arts are fantastic for children, such as…
- Discipline
- Determination
- Respect
- Strength
- Fitness
- Self Esteem
- Flexibility
- Concentration
- Hard work that gives results
In a sport that traditionally girls are not encouraged to pursue, wanting to be like her idol – TV star Brandy Wu, and encouraged by her parents – Julie enrolls in her first Kung Fu class. Julie was really excited to get the black belt, but her hopes were deflated when she learned that everyone starts with a white belt and only through hard work and patience (belt order- orange, green, blue, brown belts) she will achieve her goal. What she soon learns is that Kung Fu is much harder than Brandy Wu makes it look on TV. Exhausted from the hard work and ready to quit, Sifu (which means teacher in Chinese) whispers – a white belt is just a black belt that doesn’t quit.
Through sheer determination and hard work – she is able to achieve her goal of moving to the next level. As an added bonus, she had a lot of fun in the process.
Well written and beautifully illustrated, Julie Black Belt is the perfect inspiration for the young elementary age student (for children ages 5 and 6 years old).
I loved this book for a number of reasons. I think is this a great inspiration for girls as it promotes physical and mental strength. I think it’s a great introduction to the martial arts – which is a very honorable and helpful discipline for kids of all ages.
Julie Black Belt – The Belt of Fire
Title: Julie Black Belt – The Belt of Fire
Author: Oliver Chin
Illustrator: Charlene Chua
Publication Date: 2013
Publisher: Immedium
Review: This is a great sequel to Julie Black Belt: Kung Fu Chronicles. In this book, we find that Julie is working towards her next belt. However, a new kid moves to the area who is a bit better than the rest of the kids in the class. He kicks harder, screens louder and blocks better – and this makes Julie mad. In order to prepare for the next belt challenge, Sifu pairs the kids up. Julie is paired up with the best student in class. Instead of concentrating on their individual skills, they try to outdo one another. They soon learn that Kung Fu is about improving your own skills, not worrying about competing with others. Like the Yin and the Yang, you must work together in order to make your individual skills better.
This is a very important lesson, in this day and age where everything is turned into a competition. Yes, there may be people better than you – but you can use that to make your skills better.
This book stays true to the classic charm of Kung Fu Chronicles. We really enjoyed this book as a read aloud.
You can purchase Julie Black Belt on Amazon.
Julie Black Belt: Kung Fu Chronicles
Julie Black Belt: The Belt of Fire
Thank you to our sponsors Thank you also to our sponsors: Wisdom Tales Press, Susan Daniel Fayad, Lee and Low Books, and Chronicle Books.
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Twitter: bamauthor
says:
These two books look like winners for the prek and kindergarten set.
Yes they are. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lisa recently posted…Valentine’s Day Pass-out Card Printable for the Middle Reader
Twitter: grtlyblesd
says:
Oh, those look cute! I’m a sucker for books with Asian kids in them, too.
Shecki recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Katie & Luke, before & after
They are really great books. Well written, and a great inspiration for girls in the martial arts! Plus, they have great messages. I’m sure your kids will love them.
There are so few books with kids of color as the main character. So useful and lucky to have books like these.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lisa recently posted…Valentine’s Day Pass-out Card Printable for the Middle Reader
Twitter: jujuberry37
says:
Oh Wow, I am so glad you posted this series, it looks awesome. I have been thinking on enrolling little G in some martial arts when she is a little older, this will be a fabulous introduction, and who could pass up a title like, Julie Black Belt, he he. Thanks so much for joining us again on the Kid Lit Blog Hop
Julie Grasso recently posted…Kid Lit Blog Hop #32
It really is a great story! Very nicely written and inspirational! Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you guys enjoy the books as much as we do!
Lisa recently posted…Homeschool Link-Up – Week 21
Twitter: Stackingbks
says:
Love the cover art! The spunky character of Julie and the moral of the story is so relevant in today’s world. Thanks for sharing on KidLit BlogHop!
-Reshama @Stackingbooks
Reshama recently posted…Kid Lit Blog Hop #32
It really is a great series! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lisa recently posted…Homeschool Link-Up – Week 21
Twitter: ccarpinello
says:
Love seeing new multicultural books for young readers. The cover is sure to appeal to them. Thanks for sharing on the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Cheryl, Hop Hostess
Cheryl Carpinello recently posted…Meet MG Fantasy Author Alicia Rivoli
It’s a great book that young kids definitely will enjoy!
Lisa recently posted…Introduction to the 100 Day Blog Challenge
Hi Lisa, sounds like a great book! Not only does it promote Martial Arts, but teaches the that with hard work and persistence pays off! Seems like it would really encourage young girls to pursue fitness and martial arts, and conquer goals! Looking forward to sharing this book with others! Will check it out on Amazon!