This rhyming text uses simple vocabulary to describe a tae kwon do lesson. Uncluttered illustrations with chunky figures show a multicultural group of children as they arrive, warm up, and practice their martial art: "We count. / We yell. / We all kick well." When class is over, "We stand. / We bow. / What fun. / Oh, wow!"

A brother and sister participate in their Tae Kwon Do class in a most welcome addition to the Step into Reading series. This level-one title sports predominantly one-syllable, short vowel words in two-to-four-word sentences. Spirited images and mainly well-chosen action words in rhyme will hook little boys: "We count. We yell. We all kick well." But the multicultural, coed students portrayed here, and the apparent accuracy of belt colors and class content, widen the applications. Bonita's illustrations depict cheerful, cartoonish kids with shiny button noses, impossibly pudgy feet and thighs like enrobed sausages, but the sparring, jabbing and block-busting yield a sure hit. Parents, teachers and librarians desperate for first-level, child-appealing readers will cheer out loud—and quite possibly execute a few joyous spinning kicks of their own—as they snap this one up. (Easy reader. 3-5)

PreS-K-This beginning reader follows a brother and his older sister through their Tae Kwon Do class from first bow to parting wave. The spare text uses repetition and familiar action words to highlight the activities. While the rhyme keeps the text moving, it's awkward at times: "We bow./We step in now." The warm colors of the illustrations are inviting, but the overly round, stylized figures create an impression that isn't as polished or as sharp as the sport. Girls will feel empowered; boys may feel slighted as their participation in the class is less showy. Overall, though, most kids will get a kick out of Tae Kwon Do!-H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.