Covid 19 and Black Lives Matter anchor in time:
So, we are all aware of the stresses in our lives, including lack of reliable information, distortions and conspiracy theories, denials of social ills, education delivery models that turn on a dime (from preschool through university levels), and an overall sense of doom and gloom. If you haven't wanted to kick something by now, please share your secret for inner peace. If, on the other hand, you feel like kicking something, read on first.
Stress has different effects on each of us, and that goes for humans of every age, animals, and even plants! Our tolerance for stress and our inner nature are part of who we are. That doesn't mean we can't develop compensating techniques and constructive outlets for stress and negative energy. Personalities vary, too, as my recent post about a real-life horse with the actual name of ZIPPY CHIPPY indicates. If you missed it, I hope you'll take a minute to meet him through my review (HERE).
Bringing the personality of a character (fictional or nonfictional) to life on the page is no small challenge. Author Lisl H.Detlefsen has demonstrated her talent to do just that through a variety of picture books. I interviewed her (Here) about a previous book in which an eager but overly cautious wannabe-swimmer eventually takes the plunge in 1, 2, 3, JUMP!
Capstone Editions, 2020
Her recent release, CATKWONDO, is illustrated by Erin Hunting.In this book Detlefsen's main character, a cat learning taekwondo, has the opposite approach to life. The illustrator's characteristic big-eyed style offers a cover hint to Kitten Jeje's assertive approach to being able to break a board. The sooner the better, if you please.
The author has shown in each of her books that her talent is not only in writing appealing characters, but in mining the routine experiences of everyday life for picture book ideas. It's not a stretch to imagine the countless hours she observed her young sons' taekwondo classes, absorbing the terminology, ethos, practices, and even sound effects of individual moves and the overall study of taekwondo: "the art of foot and fist".
The helpful glossary on back pages informs readers that this eager young cat is called "Kitten Jeje" because Jeje means "student of Taekwondo". Her progress from "When can I break a board?" to becoming a black belt requires patience, study, persistence, and managing frustration in the face of failure. There is a powerful student-master dynamic of encouragement with guidance that supports and challenges this cutie.
Kids are often eager to learn martial arts, as Kitten Jeje is, but not as eager to absorb those larger life skills. This lively and instructive story combines the appeal of topic and anime-like action, developed on a scaffold of strong storytelling and character development.
That impulse to break a board may feel surprisingly familiar to many of us these days, even those of us without aggressive urges in other circumstances. This book was conceived, contracted, illustrated, and then released before the Covid19 Pandemic transformed us all. Somehow, though, it feels like an ideally planned book for these stressful times. It's a light and fun diversion with a satisfying resolution. Beyond that, the "TAEKWONDO OATH" offers useful guides for readers of every age with only a bit of adapted wording:
- Observe core principles.
- Respect instructors and those with more knowledge.
- Never misuse what you have learned.
- Be a champion for freedom and justice.
- Build a more peaceful world.
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