Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny by John Himmelman (New York, Holt) $16
Isabel is one tough bunny.
John Himmelman's hilarious early chapter book features the best bunjitsu artist in her school. She can kick higher, hit harder and throw her fellow students farther than anyone. However, Isabel is also keenly aware of the correlation between power and responsibility. Thirteen short chapters effectively display her talents and ingenuity.
In my favourite chapter, The Locked Door, the teacher has apparently set the students a test by telling them to enter through a locked door. As the students punch the door with no success, Isabel opens it from inside and explains to her mystified fellow students that she merely entered through the window.
Good advice spiced with humour is liberally administered and "The Bunjitsu Code" is supplied at the end of the book. Not so strangely, the code bears an eerie resemblance to the taekwondo rules of conduct!
Funny and wise and great for beginning readers.
Fran Ashdown was the children's librarian at the Capilano branch of the North Vancouver District Public Library. Her four-year-old granddaughter is a taekwondo student and loves it. For more information check your local libraries.
