Customer Reviews

Shaolin: Legends of Zen and Kung Fu

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4 star:		(1)
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I got the book in the mail and barely glanced at it before my boys (11 and 7) stole it away. I finally had to steal it back to read it myself! The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the artwork is. Each drawing has such fluid lines and bright colors, they truly look like they will move at any moment! Once I started reading I noticed that several key words are in a larger, different font, in different colors. It really makes the reading flow more quickly and easily, especially for a younger reader. Also to be mentioned are the many references to "see website" sprinkled all throughout the book to add to the marvelous content you'll find in this book. These refer to the author's own website where you'll find a wonderful place to learn so much more about all things Chinese, in addition to more about the different topics in this terrific book. Lastly, there's a short little story on the included DVD that you'll enjoy as much as your kids.

My 7-year-old son and I recently began our adventure of learning kung fu. This book was a great source of information for the both of us. It provides enough story line to keep younger children interested and links to further study for those who are older or thirsty for more. Shaolin temple, kung fu, chi, map and timelines are just a few treasures covered in this little gem.

This is a very enjoyable introduction to the legends of the shaolin temple, where the martial arts may have been honed by buddhist monks centuries ago. I can verify that it caught the imagination of a novice eight year old, and sparked his interest in both gong fu and Buddhism.

Enhanced with an accompanying 3D animation DVD, "Shaolin: Legends Of Zen And King Fu" is a unique picturebook written and illustrated by Liow Kah Joon. Shaolin is a 1,500-year-9ld Zen Buddhist temple in China famous for monks who are expert in the kung fu martial arts. This remarkable and entertaining children's book reveals the wonder, compassion and skill that is the essence of Shaolin Kung Fu through traditional Shaolin stories of a courageous young boy who seeks to master those ancient skills, as well as the philosophy and wisdom that underlies them. Young readers will learn about Zen, Kung Fu, the training and weaponry involved, the 'Shaolin Five Annimals", the story of thirteen Shaolin monks, a brief Shaolin timeline, and so much more. "Shaolin" is enthusiastically recommended addition to school and community library collections - and a 'must' for children with an interest in learning about the marital arts in general, and Shaolin Kung Fu in particular!

The author has done a wonderful job of presenting a brief history of Shaolin - the temple and the monks. He also offers a simple and easy to understand overview of the training techniques used by Shaolin Martial Arts practitioners. While the illustrations will appeal to children young and old, the message will probably be best received by young people 8 and above. It is a welcome addition to our martial arts schools library.

This is a very well written book with beautiful pictures......I truly enjoy reading it!
Kah Joon had made Zen and Shaolin Kung Fung easy to understand and interesting for children and adults alike.
I truly appreciate Kah Joon's detail to attention, even the papers are made of the highest quality. The 3D animation DVD is a such a great addition!
Read it and you will know what I am talking about :)