Kakapo loves karate. Every day she visits the dojo to practise her blocks, kicks, strikes and stances.

Due to her hard work and determination she was able to pass her previous belt tests with ease. But now it’s time for her black belt test and she’s terrified: what if the senseis ask to see her flying kick? Will they remember that kakapos can’t fly??

This adorable picture book introduces children to both kakapo birds and to the world of karate. It also expertly imparts an important message: if you make the most of what you have and work hard, you can achieve what may previously have seemed impossible.

The colourful illustrations are cute and cheerful, really helping to bring the story to life.

This is a fantastic book for reading aloud to young children. You can get hold of a copy by clicking one of the links below!

To be posted Apr 2 on GoodReads:

Kakapo is a little nervous about Belt Test Day. But she has practiced hard and she knows all the moves. Well, all except the flying kick because kakapos can’t fly. She really hopes they don’t ask her that move in the test. How could she possible overcome such an insurmountable hurdle?

This story is about the limits we place on ourselves when we think we can’t do something because of certain other restrictions. Kakapo is lucky that she has kind and creative thinking senseis. I would’ve liked to have seen a little more creative problem solving on her part, but oh well. I did like that this book features a kakapo. I don’t know of any other fiction book featuring one of these rare New Zealand parrots. I also like that the book is about karate. Martial arts are very popular in our part of the world (Asia) and there just aren’t a ton of books for kids on the topic. Recommended for karate fans, unique animal fans, and fans of books about overcoming obstacles.

<i>I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

A very nice option for kids who like sports or do activities that require a lot of practice. I appreciate that the Kakapo is female. A nice message about how negative thinking can block you from achievement.

Hailing from the home of kakapos, I couldn't resist picking up this book. Kakapo's dilemma made me laugh: (real-life) kakapos can't fly, having evolved to be too heavy to do so from living in a predator free environment, so how can non-flying Kakapo manage a flying kick? The illustrations were fun and cheerful, the story sweet and funny, and a good reminder that sometimes you just have to look at things differently to get past what seems like an insurmountable obstacle.

(Also, a funny real-life fact: occasionally kakapos forget they can't fly, run up a tree - and promptly fall out. Ka-ka-pow!)

Karate Kakapo by Loredana Cunti & Stacey Curtis is a cute book about Kakapo, a little bird who just loves martial arts. Her favourite is karate and Kakapo has been practising hard. It's almost time for her black belt test. She's just hoping she won't be asked to do a flying kick. (Here's a secret about kakapo birds- they can't fly!) Whatever will Kakapo do? A wise flamingo assists. My cubs and I read this book together, and we all just adored it! There's a great lesson about gaining and keeping confidence, and about looking at problems in different ways in order to find solutions. Highly recommended!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Very good. If you think about it, birds doing martial arts have an immediate advantage – at least in the crane stance. But when you're flightless, like our plucky young kakapo heroine, can you actually manage the flying side kick? This winsome little book doesn't overdo its moral of looking at things in a different way to overcome hardship, but it certainly plays up the charm to the max. Well worth a look.