| Title | : | Crouching Tiger |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0763646423 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780763646424 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 40 |
| Publication | : | First published December 13, 2011 |
Vinson is very excited when his grandfather comes from China for a visit. When Grandpa practices tai chi in the garden, Vinson asks to learn, hoping it will be like kung fu, full of kicks and punches. But tai chi’s meditative postures are slow and still, and Vinson quickly gets bored. He can’t understand why Grandpa insists on calling him by his Chinese name, Ming Da, or why he has to wear a traditional Chinese jacket to the Chinese New Year parade. As the parade assembles, however, he notices the great respect given to his grandfather and the lion dancers under his training. And when Vinson is offered a role in the parade, he realizes that being part Chinese can be pretty cool—and is ready to start learning from his grandpa’s martial-arts mastery in earnest.
Crouching Tiger Reviews
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A boy’s grandfather comes to visit the family from China. He sees his grandfather doing a slow dance in his yard and goes to investigate. The grandfather is doing Tai Chi and he is a master martial arts teacher. The boy wants to learn, but the grandfather has him doing standing poses that make his arms ache and he feels stupid, so he kinda quits until he sees his grandfather save a woman from getting hit by a board by breaking the board in half.
Having patience as a kid is tough. You just want to do things and not have to go through the process of learning it. I see that with my kids and I remember that as a kid. This boy struggles with that, but eventually he is able to learn something that is disciplined that will help him in life. I sure could use some better discipline and life organization skills right now. I somewhat fall into my niblings category of ‘I do it if I feel like it and not if I don’t want too’ category. It is not helpful. Anyway.
I don’t know that the kids knew what to make of this story. The niece was interested in the ‘slow dance’, but not really. The nephew liked the dragon at the end that was in the parade in Chinatown and he thinks martial arts are cool, but he didn’t really get into this book either. They were somewhat intrigued and somewhat bored. The nephew gave this 3 stars and the niece gave this 2 stars. -
Vinson is fascinated when his grandfather arrives from China and practices tai chi in the backyard. When Vinson finds out it’s a martial art, he thinks it might be like kung fu but soon learns it is not. His grandfather begins to teach him the basic movements of tai chi but it is slow and requires a lot of patience. When Vinson is offered a place in the Chinese New Year parade, he’s not sure he wants to even participate. However, when he and his grandfather get to China Town, he discovers that his grandfather has been saying wonderful things about him and that everyone is very pleased to meet him. Even more importantly, the respect everyone shows his gentle, quiet grandfather changes his view of martial arts and the man himself.
Read the rest of my review on my blog,
Waking Brain Cells. -
A great story about practice, discipline and reward.
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Many of you are aware that I've been learning tai chi for the past ten months or so, and it's something I enjoy quite a lot, both for its meditative aspects and for its health benefits.
And just recently, it was the lunar new year. In fact, this past Saturday, I attended a Chinese New Year's celebration sponsored by the
Taijiquan Enthusiasts Organization, which included a traditional Lion dance, a variety of martial arts demonstrations, and a ten-course Chinese banquet. It was a pretty terrific evening.
All this is related to my enthusiasm for today's book, Crouching Tiger by Ying Chang Compestine, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene, a review copy of which I received from Candlewick Press. (Thanks, Candlewick!)
You see, Crouching Tiger tells the story of an American boy named Vinson (aka Ming Da) who learns tai chi from his Chinese grandfather. At first, Vinson finds the study of tai chi boring, since he has to start with quiet meditation. At first, he also finds his grandfather to be a bit of an embarrassment. When his grandfather uses his tai chi training to avert a serious injury to a stranger, however, Vinson begins to appreciate both his grandfather and his grandfather's martial arts training a bit more. Vinson practices what his grandfather teaches him for quite some time, and the book culminates with a celebration of Chinese New Year in which Vinson plays an integral role. Compestine manages to include within the text a non-pedantic introduction to some of the customs and traditions related to Chinese New Year (woven into the basic story line) as well as a basic explanation of tai chi. An author's note at the end provides additional information on both.
The entire story is illustrated with wonderful art by Yan Nascimbene, who not only provides illustrations that aid the text, but also includes at the bottom of each page of text a small illustration in which the child character demonstrates various tai chi moves or positions. For instance, at the bottom of the spread below, the child is demonstrating a move called "Single Whip":
In my opinion, this is a must-share book for adults who are involved in the martial arts who want to introduce the idea to their children or grandchildren, as well as being a perfect book for all children to explore Chinese New Year or tai chi, and for families dealing with cultural differences between older and younger generations. I am extremely glad to have it as part of my picture book collection at home! -
Crouching Tiger is the story of young Chinese boy whose grandfather comes to visit from China in preparation for the Chinese New Year's parade. Vinson, called his Chinese name Ming Da by his grandfather, soon is exposed to the Chinese culture that is brought to him and is stressed "you are just as Chinese as you are American". One of these is tai chi, which Ming Da tries to learn but soon learns is harder than it looks. Ming Da is often embarrassed by his Grandfather's insistence on practicing Chinese culture, but comes around in the end at the Chinese New Year's parade, which unknowingly he will have a big part in.
I really enjoyed this book because it tries teaches more about Chinese culture than it tries to entertain the reader. I liked how the author used basic Chinese words for "hello"," money", and "thank you" to give the story more credibility in discussing culture. The text and illustrations compliment each other, and even though the illustrations are very good, I enjoyed the plot more. The illustrations are half-spreads done in pen and watercolor paints and give the effect of ancient Chinese art. On each text page, the illustrator created Ming Da in a different tai chi pose. After the story the author wrote a note about the history and purpose of tai chi and the Chinese New Year, which is really good for further background to the events that happened in the story. Overall, this is a great book for older elementary students learned about non-American culture, especially around the time of Chinese New Year. -
With illustration done in ink and water, this gorgeously illustrated book tells the story of young Vinson who finds his Grandpa, visiting from China, practicing tai chi. Vinson loves kung fu and asks his Grandpa to teach him after Vinson demonstrates his vast knowledge of kung fu. Grandpa waits patiently until he can show Vinson how to stand meditate. Even though Vinson becomes slightly embarrassed at himself and also with his Grandpa during trips on the bus, to the parade, and at home, Vinson does eventually learn the valuable lesson of knowing one’s culture and embraces tai chi. I would highly recommend this book to children, especially those who want to learn more about different cultures or those who have a Chinese background.
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A Chinese-American boy embraces his Chinese heritage through learning the martial art of tai chi from his grandfather. He struggles at first and is impatient for more action, but begins to understand the importance in building a strong foundation through the principles of tai chi after watching his grandfather use his skills to help a young woman avoid an accident.
The story is strong in many aspects: the growing relationship of grandfather and grandson, the cultural awakening or the young Chinese-American boy, and the inclusion of tai chi poses with each two page spread.
Chinese or Lunar New Year is briefly touched upon making this book a useful seasonal read as well as a strong multicultural title. Recommended for grades 3-5. -
Crouching Tiger by Ying Chang Compenstine, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2019 (reprint from 2011). $7 (paperback). 9781536205602
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
When Vinson wants to learn martial arts from his grandfather vistiting from China, but gets frustrated when the training doesn’t seem to include hitting anything. It isn’t until the New Year’s Eve parade that Vinson begins to understand his grandfather’s purpose.
Compenstine manages to cover a lot of ground, both time and concept, with few words. Still a worthy purchase not. Compenstine hasn’t written anything in a few years – I wish she would.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20... -
As Ming Da gets used to his grandfather's presence he asks to be taught the Kung Fu he sees his grandfather practising in the backyard. Instead of learning the kicks and punches he expects, Ming Da learns to stand still. he is disappointed, but eventually learns that self-discipline is the necessary first step in learning martial arts.
I picked up this picture book because the title was interesting, and I have read other books by the author.
I finished this book, well, it's a picture book. It doesn't take long to read.
I would recommend this book to Thomas because the lesson about self-discipline is an important one for him, and many others, too. -
Crouching Tiger by Ying Chang Compestine, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene – I just loved reading Revolution is not a dinner party by this author a few years ago, powerful historical fiction book. This is a lovely present day picture book celebrating different family generations getting to know one and appreciate one another. Loved the introduction to tai chi, the concept of patience, and the relationship development between grandfather and grandson. Beautiful picture book!
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This is a book that honors a culture and gives it a positive portrayal. The boy models what his grandfather does and learn the martial art tai chi. He enjoys learning about his culture and through this book students can learn about the Chinese culture. It talks a lot about what is special to the Chinese people and the pictures are diverse with beautiful scenes. They are not isolated or stereotyped in this book.
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When his Chinese grandfather comes for a visit, Vinson is fascinated by the way his grandfather practices tai chi and longs to learn martial arts for himself--but he chafes against the quiet discipline his grandfather requires. Young readers cheer with the final New Year’s parade as grandson and grandfather celebrate together with love and respect.
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A Chinese grandfather comes to America to visit his family, including his grandson Ming Da. The grandfather starts to teach Ming Da the ancient art of Tai Chi, but he wants to break boards and do Kung Fu. The grandfathers patience persists and the young boy comes around.
A good book to introduce during the Chinese New Year or as part of a cross cultural unit of study. -
A young boy is embarrassed by his grandfather, who came to visit America from China for the Chinese New Year. The Chinese like illustrations by Yan Nascimbene are beautiful. I like how Ying Chang Compestine tells the story of a first generation American who is embarrassed by his grandfather's old/foreign ways. It is a common story of immigrants and maintaining a heritage.
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A much-needed and worthy addition to the offerings of picture books on the Chinese-American (East Asian-American) experience. Should resonate with many families and capture the curisoities of many more.
The slightly longer story better suits this book for ages 7-9. -
Lovely illustrations accompany a story of a boy getting to know his grandfather and learning to appreciate his heritage. Nice intro material to Chinese New Year. Tai chi poses are illustrated throughout.
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This book is about a Chinese-American boy who learns Tai Chi from his Grandfather. I think this would be a great way to introduce kids to Chinese-American culture and Tai Chi. Also includes an author's note at the end, which I always appreciate.
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Crouching Tiger, Preaching Book.
I really liked the artwork in this book. I loved the introduction to another culture. A hint of humor would have gone so far, though, and made the preaching far more palatable. -
I liked this book so much. It was a really wonderful story about integrating ones ancestry into your present, as well as not being ashamed of who you are. Especially recommended for Chinese-American readers!
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Reviewed at
www.bookinwithsunny.com/posts/crouchi...
Great story and amazing illustrations by Yan Nascimbene -
A suburban Chinese American boy begins Tai Chi with his grandfather visiting from China. They participate in the Lion dance at the Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade.
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Recommended for 7 and up. Themes: respect for elders; sometimes there is more behind the eyes that see.
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Tai chi lessons for a boy from his grandfather
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An interesting book that talks about Tai Chi and Kung Fu.
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Kid learns tai chi. Static illustrations reflect the story.
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I have been practicing tai chi for over ten years and I was so happy to see this. My youngest son picked this book from the library for a reading challenge he just completed. This story is a sentimental story about young Ming Da learning tai chi from his grandfather, Master Cheng. We see his impatience at learning tai chi but when he becomes part of the New Year’s parade, he learns a valuable lesson.
The artwork is so spectacular and the story was heartfelt. I recommend this as an insight into the Chinese culture. -
Story about a young boy learning Tai Chi from his grandfather. At first he is disappointed that Tai Chi is nothing like the fast-pasted martial arts he is used to seeing on TV but later he learns to respect it. Best for younger elementary-age students.
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Story about a grandfather and his son, and their Chinese culture. Reminded me of a Karate Kid coming of age of sorts. There are some universal themes: determination, family tradition/responsibility, and feelings that come with being a kid.
