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An Action Hero like You!

Julie Black Belt
The Kung Fu Chronicles

Written by Oliver Chin, Illustrated by Charlene Chua

"Martial arts have become a family affair-for moms, dads, and children of all ages."
- Prevention magazine

"It's a kick! Kids look to martial arts for skills and attitudes missing from team sports."
- The Christian Science Monitor
San Francisco, California-September 15, 2007- San Francisco, California-September 1, 2007-Immedium proudly announces the publication of Julie Black Belt: the Kung Fu Chronicles, written by Oliver Chin and illustrated by Charlene Chua. As children return to school, more and more will also enroll in after school programs such as martial arts. The Washington Post wrote, "[martial arts] demonstrates the value of hard work, practice and consistent dedication." The new children's picture book Julie Black Belt tackles this theme and introduces a modern animated heroine whom students of all ages can admire.

Idolizing the movie actress Brandy Wu, Julie confidently accepts her parents offer to enroll in kung fu class. However, getting a black belt won't as easy as she thought, since her young teacher says each beginner must start with a white one!

Facing this newfound challenge, Julie wonders what would Brandy Wu do. Can Julie take her lessons to heart, exercise both her mind and body, and learn the true "spirit" of this sport? Then will she develop the self-confidence and discipline necessary to take the Yellow belt test and show her brother, parents, and heroine who's the boss?

Citing the benefits of martial arts, The Los Angeles Times summarized, "When a child learns about his body and also learns discipline, it can't help but benefit all of his everyday habits." Artist Charlene Chua's vibrant illustrations capture Julie's high-flying action and her evolving commitment with a suitably dynamic energy.

Called an "expert in Pacific Rim pop culture" by the San Jose Mercury News, author Oliver Chin features a refreshing female star leading a diverse class. This is an engaging introduction of martial arts to young children and displays what true kid power is all about!


$15.95 USA, Children's Picture Book, 1-59702-009-5, (ISBN-13) 978-1-59702-009-1, 8.5 x 10.5 inches, 36 pages

Visit the official website!
www.julieblackbelt.com







About the Authors

Oliver Chin is the author of Timmy and Tammy's Train of Thought, The Year of the Pig and The Year of the Dog, The Adventures of WonderBaby, The Tao of Yao, and 9 of 1. A reviewer for Comics Buyer's Guide, he and his family live in San Francisco, CA..

Charlene Chua is an award-winning illustrator who has designed advertising Ogilvy & Mather, Dentsu, and Saatchi & Saatchi, and editorial art for GameAxis and IGN.com. She resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with her husband.

About Immedium

Immedium, Inc. inspires a world of imagination, and creates entertaining books that have multi-dimensional appeal. Based in San Francisco, CA, Immedium sits on the Pacific Rim, a vibrant intersection for crossover cultural trends from Asia and America. Embracing an increasingly diverse and "multimedia" world, Immedium publishes titles ranging from eye-catching children's books and contemporary non-fiction to commentaries on art and popular culture. Visit us at www.immedium.com.