Karate in Action. (Sports in Action). Kelley MacAulay & Bobbie Kalman. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2006. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $8.06 (pbk.), $20.76 (RLB). ISBN 0-7787-0361-4 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0341-X (RLB). Subject Heading: Karate-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	Judo in Action. (Sports in Action). John Crossingham & Bobbie Kalman. Photographs by Marc Crabtree. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2006. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $8.06 (pbk.), $20.76 (RLB). ISBN 0-7787-0362-2 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0342-8 (RLB). Subject Heading: Judo-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	Yoga in Action. (Sports in Action). Kelley MacAulay & Bobbie Kalman. Photographs by Marc Crabtree. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2006. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $8.06 (pbk.), $20.76 (RLB). ISBN 0-7787-0364-9 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0344-4 (RLB). Subject Heading: Hatha yoga-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	Fishing in Action. (Sports in Action). Hadley Dyer & Bobbie Kalman. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2006. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $8.06 (pbk.), $20.76 (RLB). ISBN 0-7787-0363-0 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0343-6 (RLB). Subject Heading: Fishing-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4

excerpt:

Karate students must follow a code of proper behavior when they are in their dojos, or training halls. One of the most important elements of this behavior is respect. Students must be respectful of their dojos, their senseis, or instructors, and of other students. One way students show respect is by bowing to greet their senseis. Students also show respect by keeping their dojos tidy and by helping other students. (From Karate in Action.)

This lively series of books about different sporting activities gives children basic information and instruction that will inspire them to get active. The writing is precise, yet interesting, and the illustrations, both photographs and drawings, are accompanied by clear labelling and explanations.

     Each book is 32 pages long and is set up with a Table of Contents that describes the titles of each two-page chapter. The chapter titles in Fishing in Action, for example, give an accurate description of the contents: Rods and reels, Getting hooked, Great bait, etc., making this page a teaching opportunity about how to find information in a book. A glossary on the last page of the book explains unusual terms that have been highlighted in the text. A fairly basic index follows below.

     The instructions for each of the sports are explained in a stepwise fashion through words and illustrations, maximizing opportunity for success. Children, male and female of different ages and races, demonstrate through photographs the stages of a pose in Yoga in Action. Beside each photograph is a clear description in words:

Inhale as you raise your arms to shoulder level in front of you. Wrap your right arm underneath your left arm. Exhale as you continue to twist your arms around each other, until your palms are touching. Your hands should be in front of your nose.

     The books are pleasantly designed. Information, including history, about the sport is set in a large size text (14 pt.).

     Instructions are in italics, bright photographs are set on pastel swishes that reflect the action of the sport, and colour drawings are neat and accurate.

      Students interested in self-improvement will enjoy and benefit from this series.

Highly Recommended.

Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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