Karate Hour by Carol Nevius, Illustrated by Bill Thomson

Soccer, dance lessons, and baseball are common sports for young children to try. Not so common is karate. However, in this book, Karate Hour, Carol Nevius shares highlights of karate through some of the moves students perform and the values karate upholds. Karate teaches a child to be well-rounded, gaining respect for others, self-defense skills, and other lifelong messages. Nevius presents her text with a rhythmic pattern every two lines. For example, "Karate hour is starting now. Dressed and belted, we all bow." Common words used during karate such as "Ki-ai!" and "Hai-ya! are used to show the distinct language used in this sport.

At the end of this picture book, I found it interesting that Nevius includes an author's note with nonfiction information about karate. This includes the origins of karate, what students begin to learn, the uniform or gi, and the different rankings and their order. Through this book, I gained a new understanding of the art of karate and how it is more than just breaking a board but rather is a process on self-control and self-discipline in mind and body. The last page, giving the Dojo Kun, or training rules, summarizes the purpose of karate well: "Seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor, respect others, and refrain from violent behavior."

This story though would not be complete without the pictures. Bill Thomson takes a photographer's point-of-view in making his illustrations. The unique perspectives capture different angles and stances of the children practicing karate. The first page depicts an aerial view looking down upon the students. One of the children is shown with a walker, showing that having a disability does not stop a person from pursuing their goals and interests. Another picture is at ground level with a girl stretching. It is her foot that has the most detail since it is in the frame of focus. In addition, the illustrations are in black and white except for the color of the children's belts. The limited amounts of color helped me more accurately see the children's range of expressions and adds drama to the story. This book may inspire students to pursue new interests and realize previously unknown things about themselves.