Karate Kids

by Holly Sterling

Gi? Ready! Belt? Ready! Let’s go! It’s karate time. HAI-YAH!

Join Maya and all her friends as they get together at the dojo for their Saturday karate class! There are moves to remember, blocks to practice, and punches to perfect. Maya is a white belt, which means she’s still a beginner, but with focus, balance, and determination — and a little help from her friends — can she show Sensei what she’s got? Written and illustrated by Holly Sterling, a karate champion and teacher, this is a joyful and uplifting celebration of the sport and a must-have primer for any child hoping to be a karate kid one day.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Sports, Martial Arts

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 5, 2020

About the author

Holly Sterling is a children’s book author and illustrator whose titles include Hiccups!; the 15 Things Not to Do with a . . . series, written by Margaret McAllister; and the Everybody Feels . . . series, written by Moira Butterfield. In addition to making books, Holly Sterling is also passionate about karate. She began competing at a young age and has won individual and team medals at both European and world levels. She is now retired from competitive karate but teaches at her own dojos in England.

Reviews

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book that present, in a story form, the basis of karate. So it could help kids learn about it and then maybe decide if they want to try it for real or not. Juts a good and fun way to learn about something and maybe expand your horizon a bit. Well executed!

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I just love the cover of the book (and my hubby agrees that it is a very cute cover) and since I did some karate in high school (just a tiny bit it turned not for me) I thought I should try this book. Thanks to the publisher for granting my request as this was an adorable and fun book.

Meet Maya (and her friends) as they are going to karate. Thanks to them we learn a lot of basics about karate from how the outfit is called (gi) to various moves and what you may do at lessons. It was really fun, and they reminded me of me when I just started… though I have to say I would probably have been a bit more motivated in karate if it was as fun as the lessons in this one. From what I remember from my karate lessons it was mostly remembering remembering and practising and it felt often that you had to just do it right the first time.

I loved the part at the ending where the author tells us she is/was a karateka and even won competitions.Wow! That is amazing and that makes the book even more special and fun.

The art is really cute and adorable and I love the style.

I would recommend this book to all. It is fun, informative, and cute.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Marhaba Laghari · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book cover and illustrations immediately caught my eye. An adorable book about Maya's day at her Karate class. Love the diversity in the class. A good way to introduce Karate and spark interest for the art in young minds.

It would have been nice to mention different colours mean different levels, or atleast the sequence of how to get to black belt (which Maya indicates that she aspires to achieve).

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to be a Karate Kid. I always admired those who practiced karate. The discipline it takes and the confidence it brings. This story for children that may be interested in Karate or for parents who want to encourage their kids in Karate. This children book brings encouragement and excitement for the sport.

Maye is taking karate lessons. She gets ready to go to her dojo which is where she practices. She has her gi which is her white uniform and belt. Maye will learn many moves and the name of the moves. With her sensei who teaches her and instructs the class, she will be challenged to do great things in Karate.

Karate is about honor, family and respect. Values that are important for our children to learn. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Candlewick Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Dana Storytime Account · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story but it kind of annoyed me that they specifically mention the white belt and then show a class of kids all with different levels when classes are typically separated out by belt level and wouldn't have 6 different belt levels doing the same thing together...

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written and illustrated by a karate teacher who is also a former British national champion, this book answers all the questions a kid may have about starting karate. The book follows a little girl named Maya, as she goes to the dojo filled with kids of many races, does her warm-ups, practices blocks and katas, and winds down with deep breathing. I especially like that the reader sees Maya making mistakes and falling down, and then getting back up to try again. The sensei is a woman, and the class contains boys and girls with different color belt levels. The pencil illustrations are simple, peaceful and reminiscent of Brian Karas’ short humans with big heads and simple faces, yet complex expressions. The end papers show kids doing many different karate forms. This is a sweet, informative book for kids curious about what it will be like at the dojo.

[Capcaibakar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karate Kids ini dibeli karena nak-anak ikut taekwondo. Ga nyambung sih.. tapi jadi bisa memperkenalkan bela diri selain taekwondo dan aikido. Kalau anaknya ikut karate.. buku ini pasti mengena banget karena anak² dikenalkan berbagai gerakan karate dan ditutup dengan kisah atlet karate asli. Jadi anak² kebayang, skill ini bisa dipakai sampai seperti apa.

Selain memperkenalkan gerakan, tokoh, dan warna² sabuknya, anak² juga diajarkan kalau gerakan salah atau gagal itu ga masalah. Belajar lagi. Kalau ada teman yang belum bisa, ya diajarkan dan disemangati. Bagus!!

Gambarnya juga menjunjung tinggi keberagaman ya. Tokoh²nya multi-racial dan religions. Tapi tenang... ga ada same-sex parents atau non-binary gitu.

Recommended. 70ribu aja.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perfect for little karate fans in the making. I have a child in karate and he has competed nationally. He went from a white belt to a black belt in 2 years. We pretty much lived at our Dojo. This book is spot on for what it is like starting out. The pictures are realistic and I love that the author did those also. Our Dojo starts kids at 2.5 years old and some even at older ages are scared to go into class. This book would be perfect for parents to share prior to starting class! Thank you to #netgalley for an ARC.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect read for any child who is interested in karate! I loved the inclusion of characters, the illustrations were fun and relatable, and I enjoyed the proper terminology for the moves. It was educational and fun at the same time. There was also a strong sense of good sportsmanship, which is important in any group activity. Additionally, the story showed that it is okay to need help, and I think that is so important because that is part of the learning process. At the end I loved that the group is referred to as “family”. Recommend for any Karate Kid!

[Christine Turner]

Join Maya and all her friends as they get together at the dojo for their Saturday karate class! There are moves to remember, blocks to practice, and punches to perfect. Maya is a white belt, which means she's still a beginner, but with focus, balance, determination, and a little help from her friends -- can she show Sensei what she's got? Written and illustrated by Holly Sterling, a karate champion and teacher, this is a joyful and uplifting celebration of the sport and a must-have primer for any child hoping to be a karate kid one day

[Ivonne Tapia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! This is a great book to add to your collections or a simple read aloud. In this book it presents children with a lot of opportunities to explore the benefits of working as a team. This book is great for children as they learn how to address social interactions when it depends on helping others. This book is also great at presenting children with visual representation on what it’s like to build your confidence after fear.Overall a great and fun book to read out loud to your children!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice book to give to a child who is studying karate or thinking about it. It accurately presents what karate is and includes simple terminology that a karate parent also needs to know.
I was very happy to see that the Sensei is a woman. Also, children of all races and cultures will find themselves represented in this dojo; the illustrations are charming and inviting. This book is a welcome addition to martial arts books for children.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has such sweet and fun illustrations.  The text tells the story of a young girl going to her karate class.  Many aspects of karate are clearly explained in the text by the author, a karate champion herself. 


This book provides an excellent introduction to what a student can expect if they start lessons. There are rules and discipline along with co-operation, fun and learning.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Maria Antonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a perfect gift for any kid who is interested in taking karate! You can join the main character, Maya, and the rest of the karate kids as they go to their lesson. Illustrations are adorable! And I love the little author blurb at the end with a photo of Holly Sterling all decked out in her karate gear.

**Note: I received a free copy of this title from the people at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Vera Godley]

I never took my children to any form of martial arts class but can see the value of this skill. I love for children to be active, balanced, and poised. This would help provide opportunity for these to develop. With well written storyline and cute illustrations, the book will provide a fun read and show some of the moves in Karate. The illustrations are cute and joyful. I recommend.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Melody Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a girl who goes to karate class. Throughout the book and the class she teaches the reader about different karate moves and terms. At the end of the book the girl explains that karate class goes by so fast because she loves it so much.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to students. I believe that this book can help the readers understand karate and make the kids possibly explore passions they did not know that they would have.

[Amber Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karate Kids is a perfect book for any kids learning the some form of martial arts. Walking you through the correct terminology, simple moves and a dream to be better. Practice makes perfect, or better at least. I loved the supportive sensei and that she was a female. Inspiring and uplifting story! I know just the kids to share it with.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read and a great way to introduce Karate to children!

The books shows some of the moves that they would learn and the proper names for them too, so not only does it have some lovely images, it also teaches new words.

The book was easy to follow and understand too which made it a great one to read - 4 stars from us!

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Fun, educational board book with real karate terms and movements. Perfect to get little children excited about doing karate with an inspirational afterwards note from the author. Enjoyed it!

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Maya to karate class. For a kid headed to their own first class this would give them an idea of what to expect. It introduces the basic vocabulary and what happens during a class. For a kid familiar with karate it would be fun to see their favorite activity in a book.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes what kids can expect in martial arts class, which is great if you have a little one interested in studying karate. As a read-aloud, you may struggle pronouncing terms like "soto uke" and "gendan barai" which are terms used to describe some of the moves.

[amélie lafleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tellement dommage qu'une version en français de ce livre ne soit pas encore parue.
Un album qui contient juste assez détails pour donner le goût aux enfants de découvrir le karaté.

L'auteure, Holly Sterling, est elle-même sensei. C'est génial! Oss! 🥋

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maya and her friends learn and practice at karate class.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya loves Saturday because it's the day she does karate. One day she wants to be graceful like Tomoko one of the older karate students.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely love this for our little white belt — just wish there was a pronunciation guide.

[S Tondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karate Kids was a fun story that my 9 yr old said could help other kids be inspired to try Karate. The 5 yr old liked the pictures and moves.

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adoration and I love the introduction to the basic moves

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun read