Catkwondo

By: Lisl H. Detlefsen, Erin Hunting

Narrated by: uncredited

Kitten wants to a break a board, and she wants to do it now. But Tae Kwon Do is not easy. Kitten must focus. She must practice. And above all, she must be patient. Will Kitten's determination and dedication pay off when it's finally time to break a board?

Author Lisl Detlefsen delivers a turbo-charged story filled with action, fun, and encouragement. Korean phrases are intermixed throughout Catkwondo, and the Tae Kwon Do Oath complete this energetic book.

©2020 Lisl H. Detlefsen (P)2024 Capstone Editions

Critic reviews

Kitten is eager to begin her taekwondo classes and learn how to break wooden boards, but Master Cat instructs her that taekwondo requires patience, dedication, and lots of practice. Kitten’s journey from white to orange belt requires learning these skills as much as learning how to kick and punch, but with Master Cat and her fellow students cheering her on, she succeeds in breaking her first board and earning her belt. While this is mostly a process description without much story, Detlefsen’s tale of learning a new skill is as applicable to human kids as it is to kittens, and audiences will especially enjoy the lively sound effects. The digital art is cartoonishly flat, with faces largely similar from scene to scene; however, the huge-eyed kittens have appeal, and there’s plenty of sparring action. Korean terms are used throughout the book and a glossary is included for reference. Detlefsen also includes the taekwondo oath and the five tenets of taekwondo, which also work as positive suggestions for life in general. Despite its weaknesses, this sweet story may inspire interest in martial arts while encouraging persistence in all new activities. (KP)