The rise (and falls) of Jackie Chan

More tribute than biography, this profile of the master of martial arts comedy emphasizes salient character traits, such as defending the weak or being true to oneself, over recitations of specific facts. Still, in tracing the future film star's "poor but happy" early years, his training in martial and dramatic arts at the China Drama Academy, and his progress from "rough-and-tumble" stunt double in Hong Kong cinema to leading man, Giang tells a lively tale that nods to important influences (Buster Keaton, Fred Astaire) and features onomatopoeic interjections (POW! BAM! OW!). Chau adds Chinese characters (translated into English and transliterated into Mandarin and Cantonese in the back matter) to many of her action-oriented scenes, and other than one disturbing incident of a schoolmaster beating the young pupil with a stick, offers a stimulating mix of figures in martial arts poses, elaborate Chinese opera costumes, and exciting stunts. The story goes only to Chan's breakthrough hit, Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978), but the back matter contains an afterword and a list of biographies for older readers.

In this picture book biography of Hong Kong--born martial artist, stuntman, actor, and director Jackie Chan (b. 1954), Giang traces the figure's life, covering his "poor but happy" childhood, a disciplined decade of schooling at the China Drama Academy, and his becoming a stuntman for Bruce Lee and later developing his own style: "Buster Keaton with kung fu flair and a little Fred Astaire." Though the illustrations' resemblance to Chan is questionable, vivid, fine-lined watercolors by Chau offer sweeping, energetic cartoon-style scenes. Chinese calligraphy appears throughout, while plentiful onomatopoeia and staccato sentences successfully evoke the action in this dynamic profile of a living legend. Back matter includes a glossary of Chinese characters and their Cantonese and Mandarin pronunciations. Ages 4--8. (Mar.)

Gr 2--4--This staid picture book biography chronicles the life of stunt man and movie star Jackie Chan. Young Jackie practiced kung fu each morning with his father, but he was initially not a dedicated student, growing up as the class goofball and resistant to anything requiring discipline. His parents moved to Australia in the hope of building a better life, while Jackie stayed behind at the China Drama Academy to train for the opera, where he was a student for 10 years focusing on acting, fighting, and acrobatics. This period in his life instilled him with perseverance and dedication to his craft. As the opera lost popularity in China, Jackie found work as a martial arts stunt man. The text, covering a lot very quickly, is accompanied by watercolor illustrations in a calm palette of greens and yellows. Any questions readers have about the difficult periods in Jackie's life, such as the separation from his family, are likely to be answered in the more detailed author's note in the back matter, which also includes a thoughtful glossary of Chinese characters with phonetic Mandarin and Cantonese pronunciations. VERDICT This should find a home in many larger biography collections.--Lauren Younger

The story of how globally lauded actor, director, and martial artist Jackie Chan made a name for himself. Kung fu requires discipline and focus. Young Jackie, this story reveals, had little of either. Instead, he liked making jokes in class and displayed streaks of disobedience. As a boy, Jackie was enrolled in the China Drama Academy, "where poor, unwanted, or unruly children trained for Chinese opera." The injury-prone curriculum, rigid social hierarchy, and threat of "the sting of Master's stick" made for a grueling experience. Inspired at first by Chinese opera and, as he grew up, by Hong Kong cinema and Hollywood films, Chan worked hard to forge a career in acting and eventually gained international fame. This picture-book biography stays within the scope of Chan's schooling and early career moves. From being a nameless stuntman to initially being typecast by the film industry to ultimately, confidently developing his own style, Chan's action-star trajectory will inspire young readers. Onomatopoeic sound effects will appeal to younger children, while a closing author's note provides welcome context and additional nuance for older readers. Chau's watercolor illustrations are lively and fluid, incorporating cultural details and martial arts motifs that enrich the setting. As the stage and screen begin to take precedence in Chan's life, the artwork incorporates dynamic angles and perspectives, echoing the twists and turns of both his acting stunts and life path. All characters are Chinese or White. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A starter biography of a beloved cinematic figure that underscores the value of hard work and embracing one's individuality. (glossary of Chinese characters, bibliography) (Picture-book biography. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.