Crouching Tiger (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Crouching Tiger Hope Morrison Compestine, Ying Chang. Crouching Tiger; illus. by Yan Nascimbene. Candlewick, 2011. [40p]. ISBN 978-0-7636-4642-4 $16.99 Reviewed from galleys R 6–9 yrs. Vinson can’t seem to find a way to connect with his grandfather, visiting from China; he can’t manage the discipline of Grandpa’s tai chi, for instance, but Grandpa isn’t impressed with Vinson’s movie-style kung fu. When he sees Grandpa in action, however (kicking a board away before it hits an unwary passerby), he changes his mind and studies with his new mentor, eventually earning himself a place in the Chinese New Year parade. While Compestine’s story is fairly straightforward intergenerational/intercultural conflict fare, the specifics of the tale, especially the tai chi practice (with poses modeled and identified on each page) make this an inviting take on the issue. The narrative speaks to many issues (a boy embarrassed by his culture and his elders, a young person’s inability to recognize the values of focus and patience) that may be familiar to listeners. Nascimbene’s illustrations are cool and clean, with full-page, tidily bordered ink and watercolor compositions facing pages of text; creative viewpoints—looking into the yard from the living room window, watching Vinson and his grandfather walk home from a far distance—add interest. While an obvious selection for marking the celebration of Chinese New Year, this is also a solid relationship story worth sharing at any time of year. An author’s note about martial arts and Chinese New Year is included. Copyright © 2012 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois