The traditional Five are a little bit different in Master Moy Lin-Shin's Taoist Tai Chi, but the forms are recognizable to learners of any school, and the lesson is one that all Masters would approve: Never, ever try to learn the Taoist Arts from a book. Seek out a teacher and learn them properly. Also, ending your practice with the Standing Jong (zhan zhuang) is a very, very good idea. ( )

A young girl finds an instruction manual for some of the forms of kung fu, and despite the warning included about not trying them out without an instructor, she goes ahead. Each form she uses - Crane, Leopard, Snake, and Dragon - results in that animal appearing in her apartment and causing chaos. Each one is supposed to conquer the previous, but what they really conquer is her apartment. Can the girl set things to rights before her mother gets home...?

This newest picture-book from author/artist Barbara McClintock is quite an appealing romp, pairing an engaging story about a young girl's martial arts experimentation, and the fantastical results it brings, with immensely energetic, appealing illustrations. I do wish that the conclusion hadn't shown the girl getting rid of the book, as it seems to imply that kung fu isn't worth the 'trouble' that it caused in the story. Leaving that one quibble aside, I did enjoy The Five Forms, and thought the artwork was particularly well done. The sense of motion on each two-page spread, the vivid use of colors, all contribute to the magical feeling, as each form comes alive. Recommended to young martial arts enthusiasts, and to fellow admirers of McClintock's art. ( )