• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 3 to 7

Kakapo is crazy about karate. No student at her dojo tries harder or practices more. She loves the blocks, the strikes, the stances. And she especially loves the super-fast kicks: the running kicks, the jumping kicks, the side kicks ... but no amount of practice can help her conquer the elusive flying kick. You see, kakapos can't fly. Despite this, Kakapo works hard on everything else to perfect her skills. She has earned every belt from yellow to green to blue to red. And now it's time for the most difficult karate challenge of all: the black belt test. Kakapo is ready. After all, she has practiced as much as any bird could and mastered all the moves. Except that one, of course. But surely the senseis won't ask her to do a flying kick. Will they?

Loredana Cunti's adorable Kakapo discovers (with a little help from a kind teacher!) that sometimes seeing a problem from a different perspective can help you solve it. It's a wonderful model for children facing obstacles in their own lives, and a great example of a growth mindset. It aligns with social studies lessons on self-awareness and personal development. Award-winning cartoonist Stacy Curtis's illustrations of a kakapo doing karate are hilarious and full of energy, and just might inspire some new students of karate (or other martial arts). The art was reviewed by a karate expert to ensure the moves are accurately portrayed. This playful and funny picture book is perfect for storytime. It also makes a great choice for character education lessons on self-discipline and perseverance.

Loredana Cunti specializes in children's entertainment, a former Senior VP of Children's Programming at Universal Pictures and a Cordon Bleu Pastry Chef. Loredana has developed book-based characters for TV including Geronimo Stilton and the Pink Panther. To Burp or Not to Burp is her first book. She lives in Toronto, ON, Canada.

Loredana Cunti's profile page

Stacy Curtis is an award-winning cartoonist, illustrator and printmaker. He has illustrated several children's books, including The Seven Habits of Happy Kids and the Raymond and Graham chapter book series. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Stacy Curtis' profile page

• Shining Willow Award, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards
• Rueben Award --- Book Illustration Category, National Cartoonists Society

That Kakapo is an athlete is a plus, but her story will resonate with all children whatever their endeavor.

Kirkus Reviews

... a great story for any family with a little one interested in sports, especially martial arts!—CM Magazine