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snazel's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, I loved this one! I read and re-read it several times, even though I was "too old" for picture books at the time. Great story of surprising strength and history.
the_lobrarian's review against another edition
- Illustrations are watercolor, tempera, and pastel on 140 pound Arches Cold Press paper photographed against a background of Chinese silk
nnecatrix's review
4.0
Book #52 for 2013
This is a touching Chinese tale of inner strength and mindful living. I like how it teaches the true meaning of martial arts training, how it is about self-discipline, not violence or anger. The impressionistic illustrations are also quite appealing.
This is a touching Chinese tale of inner strength and mindful living. I like how it teaches the true meaning of martial arts training, how it is about self-discipline, not violence or anger. The impressionistic illustrations are also quite appealing.
imperfectcj's review
4.0
Great introduction to Buddhism and the philosophical underpinnings of Eastern martial arts. This book would make a great movie. Kind of a Karate Kid except Daniel is a girl and Mr Miyagi is a nun. They even have the training montage (flow like water, balance like crane, bend like bamboo...). I envision a climactic turning-the-tables fight scene a la River from Firefly or Hit Girl from Kick-Ass. Might not get a G rating with that kind of scene, though.
After reading two books about girls whose salvation comes from marrying well, it was refreshing to read a story where the girl fights not to be married and finds her own freedom. ("The world outside Shaolin Temple no longer concerned her. She forgot all about having to defeat Soong Ling in order to win her freedom. She was already free.") Not that there's anything inherently wrong with marriage, I just don't like when it's presented as a way out of hardship (or a handing over of property) rather than a loving bond between two people.
After reading two books about girls whose salvation comes from marrying well, it was refreshing to read a story where the girl fights not to be married and finds her own freedom. ("The world outside Shaolin Temple no longer concerned her. She forgot all about having to defeat Soong Ling in order to win her freedom. She was already free.") Not that there's anything inherently wrong with marriage, I just don't like when it's presented as a way out of hardship (or a handing over of property) rather than a loving bond between two people.
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