(3) K-3 Two young siblings learn more about Lunar New Year celebrations in this ebullient early reader. A team of lion dancers is practicing at Lily and Noah’s kung fu club; the older dancers are eager to share the meaning behind the festive tradition as well as how the dancers move their bodies and manipulate the lion costume. Shum’s dynamic ink and watercolor illustrations are full of movement and expression -- especially spreads that feature dancing lions in action -- and symbolic tones of yellow, red, green, and blue are used throughout. This is an informative, accessible introduction to a joyful cultural tradition.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(3) 4-6 SportsZone: Inside Martial Arts series. Each book in this series presents the history, rules, vocabulary, techniques, and key personalities of its sport. While similarities among these sports exist, the authors emphasize how distinct purposes and procedures make each a unique form of martial arts. Aficionados will appreciate the colorful action photographs and the engaging play-by-play depictions of moves that accompany the readable texts. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following SportsZone: Inside Martial Arts titles: Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu,Karate, Aikido, Judo, and Mixed Martial Arts.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg