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"[This] is the kind of picture book I wished we read while we were taking karate. I really like that the main character is a girl with dreamy notions of becoming a black belt but gets daunted by the actual training. This is the reality of karate - it's a marathon, not a sprint! But like karate, the act of doing and not giving up pays dividends in areas that cross beyond physical training: self-control, self-discipline, and self-confidence. Julie Black Belt's message also has an overarching theme of perseverance - that achievement results from consistent hard work."
- Pragmatic Mom
When Julie takes a kung fu class, she thinks
getting a black belt will be easy. But her bold teacher says guess
again! As reality doesn't match her expectations, Julie wonders what
would her matinee idol Brandy Wu do? Can Julie take her lessons
to heart? Only then can this "white belt" pass her next
test to show her brother, parents, and heroine this sport's true
spirit.
Colorful and energetic illustrations capture both high-flying action
and purposeful reflection. Julie is a refreshing character whom
children everywhere can identify with. This engaging tale of "kung
fu enlightening" shows what real kid power is!
Reviews
"It’s a positive tale that encourages hard work and persistence and it’s entertaining and charming to boot. Written by Oliver Chin and illustrated by Charlene Chua, this book does a good job of teaching the discipline of martial arts and the lesson that hard work pays off."
- Ain't it Cool News
"The exuberant digital illustrations show Julie's journey
from enthusiastic beginner to struggling novice to poised and confident
student...youngsters interested in the sport will be thrilled to
follow Julie's adventures. Other readers may also learn something
from Julie's determination to meet her goals."
- Alana
Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT
"Julie Black Belt and its wonderful imagery are a great introduction
for young readers into the world of martial arts."
- Phillip Wong, 13-time national and international Wushu Grand Champion,
and Zhang Hong Mei, China's National Wushu Team, International Games
Gold medallist.
"[martial arts] demonstrates the value of hard work, practice
and consistent dedication."
- The Washington Post
"Such a great combination of stunning pictures and gripping
story. I absolutely love the illustrations."
- Anna Tharyan, Toronto Public Library
"Immedium has created yet another children’s book with
a story and graphics sure to entertain readers of all ages."
- Boutique Cafe
"I would certainly suggest Julie Black Belt to my students
and their parents, as it seems to
reflect what many kids think about in relation to the martial arts
experience."
- David Marshall, Empty Hands martial arts studio, San Francisco,
CA
"Julie Black Belt looks positively wonderful!
I just checked out some of the preview pages on the website. I can't
wait to snag a copy."
- Alan Lau, Ghostbot
"It is wonderful ! It was fantastic of how the Chinese cultural
was incorporated in the storyline!...Congratulations!!
- Karen Dea, Wa Sung Community Service Club
"In Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles, the ingenious
illustrations of Charlene Chua drive the narrative as writer Oliver
Chin offers clever stealth lessons, affirming the rewards of dedication
and practice. This charming volume makes Kung Fu fun & appealing
- it's a book both my young children will want to read over and
over!"
- Steve Lafler, graphic novelist
"I recommend this book. The characters' constant state of motion
adds excitement to the story. The kung fu classes are filled with
male and female racially diverse students, and their cartoon-like
appearance will appeal to children. When children read Julie's story
they will understand how important and beneficial it can be to keep
going despite difficulties. Julie's tireless effort and enthusiastic
attitude create a positive ending to this story."
- Resource Links
"Idolizing the movie actress Brandy Wu, Julie confidently
accepts her parents' offer to enroll in a kung fu class in Oliver
Chin's delightful Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles. But
getting a black belt won't be easy since her teacher says every
beginner must start with a white one. Julie wonders what her big
screen idol would do...Find out through Charlene Chua's lively illustrations
in this engaging and empowering read."
- Audrey
Magazine, Oct/Nov 2007 issue
"Evocative of graphic novels, the illustrations will catch
readers' attention. They portray the range of emotions that Julie
and the other characters experience and also present the characters
in 'action shots,' which will appeal to younger readers and draw
them into the story. Many of the illustrations are mid-action sequences
that will give readers the impression that they are watching a movie
instead of reading a book with static pictures."
- CM magazine
"As society progresses away from gender stereotypes, it is nice to see children's literature doing the same. Growing up in the '90s, I spent my childhood wondering why all the heroes were male and females characters who needed saving. Julie Black Belt by Oliver Chin is a shining example of how things have changed for the better... Julie gives young girls many positive values to emulate: Try new things, work hard, follow your dreams, and most of all, never lose hope." - Sampan
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