Karate Kids

This vivid picture book by Holly Stirling follows Maya, who wants to be a ‘karate kid’, on her regular trip to karate class. We follow her from her donning her karate suit or ‘gi’, to meeting her ‘sensei’ and carrying out a wide range of moves before ending with the cool down or ‘mokuso’. Every page of the book introduces the reader to karate terminology and is highly effective in weaving new technical vocabulary and factual information through the simple story of Maya’s day.

Maya’s lively and diverse classmates are depicted through the engaging illustrations. The drawings themselves brilliantly express the energy and grace of the karate stances and are sure to capture the attention and imagination of any young child.

The final page of the book takes the form of a note from the author who herself was British Grand Champion and has competed at an international level. This personal note serves as an inspiration to young readers and emphasizes the underlying theme of being able to achieve what you want when you put your mind to it. This resonates in Maya’s final words, ‘I really want to be as good as she is when I grow up…and maybe I will be.’

This entertaining and informative little book will appeal to and inspire any child with an interest in the sport.