Synopses & Reviews
andlt;bandgt;2012 andlt;iandgt;Creative Child Magazineandlt;/iandgt; Preferred Choice Award Winner!andlt;/bandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;A young boy, abandoned on the steps of the Shaolin Temple, is adopted by mysterious Kung Fu monks. Raised in a place where the powers of animals are studied and practiced, Wong Long tries to fit in and learn kung fu.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;Forever bested by the exotic animal styles of the other students, Wong Long runs away from the temple. That summer, he discovers and befriends a small praying mantis. Naming the mantis "Teacher", Wong Long is inspired to create an entirely new style of self-defense. When he returns to Shaolin Temple with his own unique style, the young monk is redeemed, history is made, and a kung fu legend will live on forever.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;Iandgt;Little Monk and the Mantisandlt;/Iandgt; is the thrilling tale of one boy's search for self-expression, courage and the peaceful, non-violent teachings that are at the root of true martial arts.
Review
"With illustrator Patrick Lugo's colorful, energetic paintings, author John Fusco has brought to life an inspiring tale. To paraphrase the teachings of one of the monks in the book, Fusco's story has good Kung Fu."and#8212;Peter Laird, co-creator "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
Review
"Although presented as a story for young readers, andlt;iandgt;Little Monk and the Mantisandlt;/iandgt; is the kind of book that will delight anyone interested in the teachings at the heart of the martial arts. It's truly a lesson story of the best sort, one that is as entertaining as it is wise."and#8212;Joseph Bruchac, andlt;iandgt;Our Stories Rememberandlt;/iandgt;
Review
"Engaging and knowledgeableandhellip;brings magical light and clarity to veiled martial arts history. In a cocoon shell, a man 'tis not a mantis til Fusco's faithful rendering of true life hero Wong Long bugs the Shaolin elders into accepting the teachings and virtues of the world's most dynamic insectandhellip;the praying mantis."and#8212;Dr. Craig D. Reid, Martial Arts Historian
Review
"Appealing to both folktale and martial-arts fans, Fusco's work highlights the fighting skills learned from nature but stresses how rarely and reluctantly the monks used them. Young readers will enjoy Lugo's paintings of the fight scenes, but his work truly shines when portraying the praying mantis."—
School Library Journal"With illustrator Patrick Lugo's colorful, energetic paintings, author John Fusco has brought to life an inspiring tale. To paraphrase the teachings of one of the monks in the book, Fusco's story has good Kung Fu."—Peter Laird, co-creator "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
"Although presented as a story for young readers, Little Monk and the Mantis is the kind of book that will delight anyone interested in the teachings at the heart of the martial arts. It's truly a lesson story of the best sort, one that is as entertaining as it is wise."—Joseph Bruchac, Our Stories Remember
"Engaging and knowledgeable…brings magical light and clarity to veiled martial arts history. In a cocoon shell, a man 'tis not a mantis til Fusco's faithful rendering of true life hero Wong Long bugs the Shaolin elders into accepting the teachings and virtues of the world's most dynamic insect…the praying mantis."—Dr. Craig D. Reid, Martial Arts Historian
Review
"andlt;iandgt;Little Monk and the Mantisandlt;/iandgt; invites children to experience the peaceful teachings at the heart of Martial Arts. With careful attention to detail, John Fusco's passion for eastern philosophy and historical teachings comes shining through in this tale of perseverance and self-discovery. Children will be enthralled by the masterful storytelling and energetic illustrations that transports readers to another time and place."and#8212;Gelett Burgess Center Children's Book Awards (Book of the Year Honor)
Review
"Appealing to both folktale and martial-arts fans, Fusco's work highlights the fighting skills learned from nature but stresses how rarely and reluctantly the monks used them. Young readers will enjoy Lugo's paintings of the fight scenes, but his work truly shines when portraying the praying mantis."and#8212;andlt;iandgt;School Library Journalandlt;/iandgt;
Review
"The book andlt;iandgt;Little Monk and the Mantisandlt;/iandgt; is a thrilling tale from Hollywood screenwriter John Fusco of one boy's search for self-expression, courage and the peaceful, nonviolent teachings at the root of true martial arts. This book is accompanied by beautiful art illustration by Patrick Lugo, who is art director for andlt;iandgt;Kung Fu Tai Chiandlt;/iandgt; magazine."and#8212;andlt;iandgt;Huffington Postandlt;/iandgt;
Review
"This is a charming rendering of an ancient legend and will appeal to those who enjoy martial arts, myths and legends, or just a good story. A recommended read!"and#8212;andlt;iandgt;City Book Reviewandlt;/iandgt;
Synopsis
2012 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award Winner
A young boy, abandoned on the steps of the Shaolin Temple, is adopted by mysterious Kung Fu monks. Raised in a place where the powers of animals are studied and practiced, Wong Long tries to fit in and learn kung fu.
Forever bested by the exotic animal styles of the other students, Wong Long runs away from the temple. That summer, he discovers and befriends a small praying mantis. Naming the mantis -Teacher-, Wong Long is inspired to create an entirely new style of self-defense. When he returns to Shaolin Temple with his own unique style, the young monk is redeemed, history is made, and a kung fu legend will live on forever.
Little Monk and the Mantis is the thrilling tale of one boy's search for self-expression, courage and the peaceful, non-violent teachings that are at the root of true martial arts.
Synopsis
A young boy, abandoned on the steps of the Shaolin Temple, is adopted by mysterious Kung Fu monks. Raised in a place where the powers of animals are studied and practiced, Wong Long tries to fit in and learn kung fu.
Forever bested by the exotic animal styles of the other students, Wong Long runs away from the temple. That summer, he discovers and befriends a small praying mantis. Naming the mantis "Teacher", Wong Long is inspired to create an entirely new style of self-defense. When he returns to Shaolin Temple with his own unique style, the young monk is redeemed, history is made, and a kung fu legend will live on forever.
Little Monk and the Mantis is the thrilling tale of one boy's search for self-expression, courage and the peaceful, non-violent teachings that are at the root of true martial arts.
About the Author
John Fusco is the author of andlt;iandgt;Paradise Salvageandlt;/iandgt;, which was shortlisted for the Crime Writersand#8217; Associationand#8217;s Dagger Award for Best First Crime Novel. He has written ten major motion pictures, including andlt;iandgt;Young Gunsandlt;/iandgt;, andlt;iandgt;Hidalgoandlt;/iandgt;, and the Academy Award-nominated andlt;iandgt;Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarronandlt;/iandgt;. Fusco is the creator of the upcoming Netflix Original Series andlt;iandgt;Marco Poloandlt;/iandgt; and has also just written the long-awaited sequel to andlt;iandgt;Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonandlt;/iandgt;.andnbsp;Most recently, he has adapted Paulo Coelho's andlt;iandgt;The Alchemistandlt;/iandgt; for the Weinstein Company.andnbsp;He lives on a farm in Northern Vermont with his wife and son.