ALA Booklist (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Stereotypes about martial-arts experts are abundant and need no repetition here. Fortunately, The Grandmaster's Daughter effectively interrupts them all. Sunny has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is the daughter of the grandmaster. At their dojang, which is nestled in an idyllic valley surrounded by persimmon trees, Sunny not only practices her craft but also attends to her many responsibilities, including cleaning and caring for the school, its gardens, and its two- and four-legged neighbors. Sunny also teaches the white belts and other students. Along the way, readers learn a little about Tae Kwon Do: the practice is intended only for self-defense, and the learning process includes successes as well as failures, all of which are valued. A brief note at the end summarizes the essence of the philosophy of Tae Kwon Do, and a sweet, surprising element of fantasy adds a touch of humor to this gentle fictional primer about an ancient and venerated cultural tradition.

Horn Book (Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

In this gently funny and fantastical picture book, readers are introduced to a quiet village, to a "modest dojang...a school of martial arts," and to Sunny, the dojang grandmaster's small daughter, already a black belt. As Sunny proceeds through the activities of a typical day in the dojang (helping the other students, sweeping the floors, practicing with her nunchucks), readers are exposed to some of the basic elements and vocabulary of Tae Kwon Do. When the students practice their kihaps -- "a breath, a shout; power from the belly through the mouth!" -- dragons from nearby mountains awaken and attack the dojang. The students defend themselves, but the fight is derailed by "the biggest enemy of all -- their growling stomachs," and the combatants call a truce and share a snack. The text is soothingly rhythmic, with lots of alliteration and onomatopoeia. The color palette is warm and comforting, with the soft orange of the nearby persimmon trees and the sunset conveying calm. A brief summary of the principles of Tae Kwon Do is appended, but this is less an informational book than a whimsical slice of life that will appeal to many small warriors. K Rachael Stein

Kirkus Reviews

The role of a grandmaster's daughter is all-encompassing.Surrounded by persimmon trees, swords, staffs, and targets in the dojang of a small village, young Sunny, already an accomplished black belt, practices taekwondo at a school of martial arts. As the concise narrative reveals, her duties go well beyond practicing her forms: She has a day full of household chores, such as sweeping the floors, watering the plants, and feeding the cats. She also stops two street fights, one between people and another between felines. Best of all, she leads a taekwondo class filled with students diverse in race and abilities. As the students practice their kihaps (strong, clipped shouts), they inadvertently rouse from the mountains two mythical tigers and a sapphire-colored dragon. Sunny reminds her students to use their skills for defense and protection of each other as the trio of fantastical creatures attack the dojang. Right in the midst of the epic fight, stomach growls-from humans and legendary creatures alike-prove stronger and usher in a peaceful conclusion. Kim's bright palette and energetic cartoon artwork, which includes the repeated use of swirling, multicolored mists that hang in the air, bring depth to each page. The textured, eye-popping details on the tigers and dragon also add flair. Sunny presents as Korean. A brief note on taekwondo is appended. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A lighthearted tale of responsibility with plenty of fun. (afternote) (Picture book. 5-8)