Shaolin: Legends of Zen and Kung Fu (Hardcover)

by Kah Joon Liow (Author)
Key Phrases: musical journey, Shaolin Temple, Spiritual Light, Song Dynasty

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"Shaolin" takes kids and grownups alike on a fun and exciting discovery of Shaolin Kung Fu.

A popular Chinese saying goes, "All the kung fu in the world arise from Shaolin."

Shaolin is a 1,500-year-old Zen Buddhist temple in China that is famous worldwide for its peaceful-looking monks who perform incredible kung fu stunts.

How are these monks able to achieve such amazing feats? Why do Buddhist monks learn martial arts? And what do the Star Wars and The Matrix films have anything to do with Shaolin Kung Fu?

The answers to these questions and more are revealed through age-old Shaolin stories and an original 3D-animated film on DVD, Enter the Zen.

Enter the Zen is a story about a courageous boy who wanders far and wide in search of the ultimate kung fu. At last he finds it, but it is not what he thinks!

"Shaolin" carries a message of compassion for others – the heart of the wisdom of Shaolin Kung Fu.

About the Author
Liow Kah Joon's children's books allow kids all over the world to experience Asian stories in entertaining ways. With "Shaolin", Kah Joon has taken the 1,500-year-old traditions of Shaolin Kung Fu and re-created them for kids and grownups alike who enjoy Jackie Chan and Jet Li movies.

Kah Joon is the author of "A Musical Journey: From the Great Wall of China to the Water Towns of Jiangnan".

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: SilkRoad Networks Inc.; Har/DVD edition (July 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0973349239
• ISBN-13: 978-0973349238
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,459,539 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK FULL OF GREAT INFORMATION!, August 31, 2006

By	S. J. Meyer "Sharebear" (Round Rock, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars mother and son, September 3, 2008

By	D. Krueger "neohippie" (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars very enjoyable for novice, January 3, 2007

By	the constant reader (CA United States) - See all my reviews

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.