The Horn Book Guide

PICTURE BOOKS

Nevius, Carol

Karate Hour

32 pp. | Cavendish | September, 2004 | Trade ISBN 0-7614-5169-2 $14.95

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Thomson. Impressions of a typical karate class are presented in a serviceable rhyming text ("We show respect, walk to our place. / The master moves with strength and grace"). The hyperrealistic mixed-media illustrations use a variety of perspectives to convey energy and movement; they overdo the close-ups of feet, fists, and faces, however. An afterword provides fascinating information about the history and principles of karate.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano