Sumo Joe
Sumo Joe
Written by Mia Wenjen
Illustrated by Nat Iwata
Published by Lee and Low Books
This rhyming book gives us a glimpse into Asian cultures through two martial arts forms in a fun, playful way. In the story, big brother Joe faces a challenge – choosing between his role as a friend and as a big brother. Saturday mornings are special for Joe and his little sister Jo because they always spend it together. But Saturday afternoons Joe joins his friends for boys only time practicing their favorite martial arts, Sumo wrestling. With dynamic illustrations and brief rhyming verse, the author describes the costumes, moves, and rituals that are involved in Aikido and sumo wrestling competitions, a sport historically for males.
On this Saturday afternoon, Jo wants to join her brother and his friends to show off her skills at Aikido, a different type of martial arts that she practices. She knows girls have moves too. Eventually, the boys acquiesce to allow her to challenge her brother – Aikido vs. Sumo. Unlike Sumo wrestling, Aikido does not have competitions, so the matchup between Sumo wrestling and Aikido would not happen in real life.
The author’s note goes into more detail about the moves, rituals, customs, and costumes that are part of Sumo wrestling and Aikido. Sumo wrestling uses “… a variety of techniques that include pushing, shoving, slapping, throwing, tripping and grappling to knock each other down or out of the ring.” Aikido martial arts uses “…graceful and precise movements to redirect their attacker’s energy and throw the person off balance.” In addition, there is a glossary of terms used in the book.
The illustrations are lighthearted, colorful and appealing, helping the reader visualize the differences between Aikido and Sumo wrestling. This is an entertaining, relatable story introducing the reader to two forms of martial arts. Fun for story time and useful in a classroom. Highly recommended for ages 4-6. A wonderful first picture book from Mia Wenjen. Hopefully, we will see more of her writing in the future.
A hardcover copy of this book was donated to me by the author, Mia Wenjen, to review for the Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 event (1/31/20)
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 (1/31/20) is in its 7th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators.
Seven years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues.
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