Chip and the Karate Kick    by Anne Rockwell & Paul Meisel Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2004 (2004) Hardcover     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Chip O'Hare thinks that martial arts is all about being as tough as his TV hero Striper Mee, whose action figures and trading cards he collects. So he signs up with a 'dojo' (karate school), whose 'sensei' (instructor) is Mr. Leo. Chip expects to have a black belt soon, just like Sensei's. Chip thinks he knows it all and he's not a good listener, even when Mr. Leo explains the origination of karate in Okinawa. Sensei tells the dojo students that karate means 'empty fist', and emphasizes that 'it's never used to start a fight.' He teaches them 'the eye of the tiger', how to breathe, to count in Japanese, to kick, to punch, to block, and to show respect. After their tournament, Nina Jane and Brendan receive yellow belts, but Chip doesn't - he's mad and he doesn't want to go back to the dojo. But then Chip helps Melissa Bunny deal with Bernie Bullie in the park, and truly earns his yellow belt, because he finally is learning 'the spirit of karate'. Chip and the Karate Kick provides a good introduction to martial arts as well as the important lesson that it's not about mimicking a TV hero or earning belts, but about self-discipline and true spirit. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews