Kitten and the Dojo Code
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
“Come and let me show you
The last principle we embrace.”
Sensei turns Kitten to the mirrors –
A puzzled look crosses her face.
Sensei smiles and gently whispers,
“This principle lives inside you.
It’s your energy and your strength,
Your passion and commitment, too.
It’s your INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
The bright fire in your heart.
It’s the drive that you have
To finish what you start.
This SPIRIT is what pushes you
To become the best that you can be.
It is the belief in yourself
To face challenges confidently.”
Kitten thinks about the principles
And trusts they will guide her.
There’s much yet to learn
But her grit will be her power.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Kitten, who nervously enters the karate school, or dojo, for the first time, is unsure if she belongs in karate. Her Sensei, a white crane, eases her worry by introducing her to karate through the practice’s principles.
Through Kitten’s experiences, the rhyming story delivers a message that these values, mixed with a person’s grit, are even more powerful than karate’s kicks and punches.
A picture book for children, Kitten and the Dojo Code revolves around the important principles of karate: modesty, courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. It communicates that anyone can develop these important character traits, not only on the dojo floor, but in every aspect of life.
About the Author
Jessica Wagner earned a master’s degree in both Elementary Education and Information and Library Studies from the University at Buffalo. She has been teaching first grade for more than fifteen years. Jessica began writing in 2008 when she was accepted as a fellow in the Western New York Writing Project. Born and raised in New Hartford, New York, she lives outside of Buffalo with her husband and two daughters.