The Karate Mouse

Karate is not on Geronimo's list of talents, which makes his entry into the World Karate Championships a problem with very little time attached to it. Training, doubt and comic failure fill the fortieth book, and the eventual lesson about persistence is earned rather than handed over. Colorful page design, expressive artwork and plain sentences keep the reading light while the story works its way through courage and self-belief. What sets this volume apart: • A martial-arts competition entered with almost no preparation • Self-doubt written honestly instead of brushed aside • Physical comedy that suits reading aloud • Persistence presented as practice rather than magic Good for children around seven to ten, reluctant readers and parents who want a story with a usable lesson in it. Available at Boipoka.