THE FIVE FORMS
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Fall 2017
Written and illustrated by Barbara McClintock
When a girl finds a mysterious book of martial-arts poses, she ignores the warning printed inside. The poses described look simple enough, but when she bends her body into the shape of the crane, she discovers that she’s conjured a real crane right in her room - and that the giant bird is wreaking havoc!
From crane to leopard to snake, the chaos only escalates as she tries one form after another.
Will she be able to clean up the mess before her mother returns home?
Award-winning author and illustrator Barbara McClintock’s careful research and vibrant watercolor illustrations breathe life into this frenzied, playful exploration of ancient Chinese martial arts.
*Junior Library Guild Selection
*Wall Street Journal Best Children’s Books of 2017 selection
*New York Public Library Best Picture Books for Kids of 2017 selection
*Publishers Weekly Starred review
“There is something irresistible about McClntock’s painterly illustrations…A young reader will naturally find joy in the utter destruction the forms of the title release, as well as in how sensibly the story’s heroine deals with the mess.” — New York Times
“Parents who read this book to small children should brace themselves for a lot of exuberant kicking and whacking afterward.” — The Wall Street Journal
“Humorous ink, gouache, and watercolor paintings are expressive and bright, with the books and dolls in the girls room flinging around gleefully…This joyful story will tickle young readers.” — School Library Journal
‘Young martial arts students will recognize the need for masters to harness the power of the mind; that this practitioner wears a pink hoodie makes such power seem in the reach of any child.” — Publisher’s Weekly starred review