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Beautiful Warrior: The Legend of the Nun's Kung Fu
Mingyi, a desperate woman who does not want to marry the no-good Soong Ling, seeks the help of Master Wu Mei, the "beautiful warrior" who teaches Mingyi the philosophy and techniques of kung fu to defend herself against her suitor.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1998
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251 people want to read
About the author
Emily Arnold McCully
192 books76 followersEmily Arnold McCully received the Caldecott Medal for Mirette on the High Wire. The illustrator of more than 40 books for young readers, she divides her time between Chatham, New York, and New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 27, 2025
This is the kind of a story that could have come from the minds of Disney's finest writers and animators during the days when Disney feature films were just about the biggest thing in show business. The quality is that high.
Beautiful Warrior is the story of two Chinese girls whose lives seem unconnected, until both of them begin to find their own way in life by means of the study of Kung Fu. Kung Fu is most definitely not shown as just a martial art in this book; it is presented with the full luster of its original dignity as a way of life, a way of learning from one's own desires, of observation of real world philosophy and the effects that people have on each other and the world in which they live. Kung Fu is not shown primarily as a physical technique to be mastered, but as a journey on which the keen student may embark, learning and bettering oneself for the rest of one's life.
Kung Fu profoundly changes the lives of the two girls around whom this book revolves, and we see in their responses to the ancient martial art lifestyle the ways in which we can defeat the foes that assail us, too, both in the form of inner demons and outside danger.
Beautiful Warrior is a very good story that will hold rapt the attention of most readers. It has some solid wisdom to impart, and never strays from its intended path of presenting both an interesting story and an important look at an often misunderstood art form. I would likely give two and a half stars to this book.
Beautiful Warrior is the story of two Chinese girls whose lives seem unconnected, until both of them begin to find their own way in life by means of the study of Kung Fu. Kung Fu is most definitely not shown as just a martial art in this book; it is presented with the full luster of its original dignity as a way of life, a way of learning from one's own desires, of observation of real world philosophy and the effects that people have on each other and the world in which they live. Kung Fu is not shown primarily as a physical technique to be mastered, but as a journey on which the keen student may embark, learning and bettering oneself for the rest of one's life.
Kung Fu profoundly changes the lives of the two girls around whom this book revolves, and we see in their responses to the ancient martial art lifestyle the ways in which we can defeat the foes that assail us, too, both in the form of inner demons and outside danger.
Beautiful Warrior is a very good story that will hold rapt the attention of most readers. It has some solid wisdom to impart, and never strays from its intended path of presenting both an interesting story and an important look at an often misunderstood art form. I would likely give two and a half stars to this book.
April 5, 2013
3.5 stars. My niece and I enjoyed this book, and as a former martial arts instructor I especially appreciated that this story got so much about martial arts (not just kung fu) right. Martial arts, when taught properly, teaches students volumes about mental, emotional, and physical self-control. This book takes that concept and stresses, as properly taught martial arts does, that through self-control one ultimately achieves strength, self-determination, and freedom. I loved that this book featured female martial artists, and showed them as strong, capable people who were able and confident enough to set and follow their own paths in life.
I honestly don't know how much of all of that my niece got out of the book, though. I think she just thought it was a good story. She was more concerned that Wu Mei shaved her head in accordance with Shaolin practice. When Mingyi , my niece exclaimed, "does this mean she's going to shave her head?!" Not really the pertinent point in the story, but whatever.
This book was far too long and meditative to hold my nephew's attention. He couldn't have cared less about it. He just wanted to skip the life lessons and get down to the fighting. Remember that self-control I mentioned above? Let's just say that some properly taught martial arts would not be wasted on the boy.
I honestly don't know how much of all of that my niece got out of the book, though. I think she just thought it was a good story. She was more concerned that Wu Mei shaved her head in accordance with Shaolin practice. When Mingyi , my niece exclaimed, "does this mean she's going to shave her head?!" Not really the pertinent point in the story, but whatever.
This book was far too long and meditative to hold my nephew's attention. He couldn't have cared less about it. He just wanted to skip the life lessons and get down to the fighting. Remember that self-control I mentioned above? Let's just say that some properly taught martial arts would not be wasted on the boy.
February 27, 2010
I really wanted to like this more than I did. It's such a super cool subject and inspiring woman. But, it just didn't really grip me, unfortunately. It seemed overlong without any real panache and I wasn't a fan of the illustrations. Still, I love how Jingyong's father wanted her to receive a boy's education and I think the presents some important concepts in Eastern religion and philosophy that many children in America might not otherwise be exposed to.
September 3, 2016
I was looking forward to reading about women who defied the cultural expectations of them and who can provide role models for our young girls about following one's heart. I appreciate the role of Wu Mei's father, who gave her the support and direction to folow her own path; it is a crucial reminder that we adults play an important role in giving our children freedom to spread their wings. While I enjoyed the story, this particular telling of it and its illustrations did not particularly inspire me.
August 24, 2016
Was surprised my son didn't like this better. He said he doesn't get the whole meditation thing. This did bring up great discussions on what it would mean to bend in the wind like bamboo and snap back, to flow like water and shape hard stone, etc...krb 8/23/16
July 14, 2009
Kung fu was always viewed by me as a man thing. In this story I was very impressed that it was about the power that two girls had to change their lives when odds were against them.
April 2, 2018
Oh, I loved this one! I read and re-read it several times, even though I was "too old" for picture books at the time. Great story of surprising strength and history.
December 25, 2020
Absolutely delightful short read.
April 10, 2019
“It’s five stars because it’s a person who shows the girl how to not let the big man scare her or have power over her by her good training. She learned balance, how to sit very still, & how to be free in her mind.” -second-born beloved boy, age 8
May 20, 2016
Young Mingyi is being pressured into marriage by the bandit Soong Ling. He's a real jerk, but the fate of Mingyi's family's business is at stake. She wants a way out, so she turns to Wu Mei, a local nun who's known as the "beautiful warrior" for her martial arts skills. Postpone the marriage a year, says Wu Mei, and tell the bandit you'll marry him then if he can beat you in kung fu. Mingyi does, and thus begins a year of her life that will change her destiny.
McCully did a lot of research for this book, which is only right given she was working outside her culture and the book takes place in the 17th century. She thanks several experts in her Acknowledgements section, and includes an author's note at the end giving the story historical context. Martial arts buffs will know Wing Chun; that's the name Mingyi would eventually take. (If she was real rather than just a figure of legend, which she may have been.)
I've enjoyed McCully's artwork since I read Mirette on the High Wire. In this book, her paintings have so much movement, and her landscapes in particular are gorgeous. Mingyi's initial impetuousness and Wu Mei's serenity as a nun both clearly show in their expressions and body language. I was so glad to find a historical, female-centric martial arts book to complement some of the more modern, funny martial arts books we've also enjoyed.
McCully did a lot of research for this book, which is only right given she was working outside her culture and the book takes place in the 17th century. She thanks several experts in her Acknowledgements section, and includes an author's note at the end giving the story historical context. Martial arts buffs will know Wing Chun; that's the name Mingyi would eventually take. (If she was real rather than just a figure of legend, which she may have been.)
I've enjoyed McCully's artwork since I read Mirette on the High Wire. In this book, her paintings have so much movement, and her landscapes in particular are gorgeous. Mingyi's initial impetuousness and Wu Mei's serenity as a nun both clearly show in their expressions and body language. I was so glad to find a historical, female-centric martial arts book to complement some of the more modern, funny martial arts books we've also enjoyed.
March 11, 2008
this book tells one tale of the development of Wing Chun, set much earlier than most accounts - when Wing Chun (Mingyi Wang) was a girl. the book shows the breakdown of society and the prevalence of banditry, which was the impetus for the development of the system. but, it doesn't show how Wing Chun was developed for close-quarter combat (in hallways or narrow spaces). conceivably this development came later.
although the focus of the story is ostensibly Mingyi Wang and her fight against bandits, the real story is is about Wu Mei (Ng Mui). in the story, her father fights for her education, including martial arts. she becomes a prodigy, besting the boys competing against her. when the Ming Dynasty falls, she makes her way to the Shaolin Temple to study and become a teacher. the book shows well the humbleness of kung fu along with the hopelessness of kung fu - that you're never done learning anything and can't rush the learning. a satisfying legend highlighting the long history of womyn in martial arts.
although the focus of the story is ostensibly Mingyi Wang and her fight against bandits, the real story is is about Wu Mei (Ng Mui). in the story, her father fights for her education, including martial arts. she becomes a prodigy, besting the boys competing against her. when the Ming Dynasty falls, she makes her way to the Shaolin Temple to study and become a teacher. the book shows well the humbleness of kung fu along with the hopelessness of kung fu - that you're never done learning anything and can't rush the learning. a satisfying legend highlighting the long history of womyn in martial arts.
January 9, 2013
Great introduction to Buddhism and the philosophical underpinnings of Eastern martial arts. This book would make a great movie. Kind of a Karate Kid except Daniel is a girl and Mr Miyagi is a nun. They even have the training montage (flow like water, balance like crane, bend like bamboo...). I envision a climactic turning-the-tables fight scene a la River from Firefly or Hit Girl from Kick-Ass. Might not get a G rating with that kind of scene, though.
After reading two books about girls whose salvation comes from marrying well, it was refreshing to read a story where the girl fights not to be married and finds her own freedom. ("The world outside Shaolin Temple no longer concerned her. She forgot all about having to defeat Soong Ling in order to win her freedom. She was already free.") Not that there's anything inherently wrong with marriage, I just don't like when it's presented as a way out of hardship (or a handing over of property) rather than a loving bond between two people.
After reading two books about girls whose salvation comes from marrying well, it was refreshing to read a story where the girl fights not to be married and finds her own freedom. ("The world outside Shaolin Temple no longer concerned her. She forgot all about having to defeat Soong Ling in order to win her freedom. She was already free.") Not that there's anything inherently wrong with marriage, I just don't like when it's presented as a way out of hardship (or a handing over of property) rather than a loving bond between two people.
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April 24, 2009In ancient China, kung fu was both a form of self-defense and a way to train the mind. Wu Mei, a Shaolin nun, was skilled in kung fu. She became famous, for at that time, Chinese women did not practice kung fu or any of the martial or meditative arts.
In a village not far from Wu Mei's Shaolin monastary, lived Mingyi Wang, the beancurd seller's daughter. When Mingyi was betrothed to a local bully (whom she was NOT going to marry), she remembered the story of Wu Mei, and went to the monastary to ask for help. Surely Wu Mei could defeat the bully and save Mingyi from a terrible fate. And she does, but not in the way Mingyi expects!
This Chinese legend is retold with lovely colorful paintings by Emily Arnold McCully. The rich architecture and clothing of China are brought to life in the illustrations, while the Chinese philosophy of the Shaolin monastary shines through the story of two courageous women.
In a village not far from Wu Mei's Shaolin monastary, lived Mingyi Wang, the beancurd seller's daughter. When Mingyi was betrothed to a local bully (whom she was NOT going to marry), she remembered the story of Wu Mei, and went to the monastary to ask for help. Surely Wu Mei could defeat the bully and save Mingyi from a terrible fate. And she does, but not in the way Mingyi expects!
This Chinese legend is retold with lovely colorful paintings by Emily Arnold McCully. The rich architecture and clothing of China are brought to life in the illustrations, while the Chinese philosophy of the Shaolin monastary shines through the story of two courageous women.
June 14, 2011
First, a disclaimer. The Karate Kid is one of my favorite movies. Close friends will tell you that I try and fit 'sweep the leg' into a surprising amount of casual conversations. I had to wonder if the script writers hadn't heard this story before.
The artwork is lovely, funny, and engaging. The pictures enhance the story, which is pretty short. It does have a 'lesson', the hallmark of children's books, but, like the Karate kid, has an engaging way of getting to it. A surprising end note is that this isn't just a made up story to teach young children a moral. The main characters are based on real, albeit legendary, women. Wu Mei was the founder of kung fu. Both of the female characters were creators of a type of martial art. If you have a daughter, I'd recommend this to you.
The artwork is lovely, funny, and engaging. The pictures enhance the story, which is pretty short. It does have a 'lesson', the hallmark of children's books, but, like the Karate kid, has an engaging way of getting to it. A surprising end note is that this isn't just a made up story to teach young children a moral. The main characters are based on real, albeit legendary, women. Wu Mei was the founder of kung fu. Both of the female characters were creators of a type of martial art. If you have a daughter, I'd recommend this to you.
April 27, 2013
Not that I'm a martial arts fanatic, but I did enjoy this book. At first, it revolves around the story of a woman named Jingmong who is later called Wu Mei. She learns kung fu as a child in the Ming Dynasty. Then, with the fall of the Ming Dynasty, she travels west and becomes a Buddhist nun. That's when the other woman comes into the story, a young woman that works for her family's stall near Wu Mei's Buddhist temple. She's nearly forced into marrying a thug until Wu Mei agrees to teach her kung fu to help her out of it. It all ends well. I like both characters. I like the book in general.
January 22, 2019
I would recommend this book for older children, due to its length and vocabulary. Rich in history, tradition, language, and legend, this story is an excellent tool for learning and teaching about seventeenth-century China. Mingyi finding her way and place in the world is inspiring, especially for young girls, and her ability to overcome and find her path is encouraging as well. The pronunciation guide and the historical notes included in the book add to its value and its potential to be taught as part of a history curriculum as well.
August 15, 2011
Very interesting story with beautiful art showing ancient Chinese culture and dress. The strong women in the story, Wu Mei and Mingyi are inspirational characters. The book is about Kung Fu.
I liked talking to my kids about the custom of foot binding and what a great thing it was that Jingyong's father chose a better path for his daughter than the culturally acceptable path. I did some reading about foot binding on wikipedia and am so glad that this is no longer practiced.
I liked talking to my kids about the custom of foot binding and what a great thing it was that Jingyong's father chose a better path for his daughter than the culturally acceptable path. I did some reading about foot binding on wikipedia and am so glad that this is no longer practiced.
March 9, 2016
I really liked it. The kids thought it was too serious. Beautiful watercolor illustrations. Tells the story of a woman martial arts master and her pupil. Highlights key martial arts principals especially the idea that strength of mind and nimbleness are more powerful than brute force. Also ends with the student deciding to dedicate her life to the study of Kung fu rather than to get married, which brought up some good questions from the kids.
November 18, 2017
The story of the girl who defied the expectations of society and became a nun/ warrior is inspiring. I thought the way she demanded the young girl learn to defend herself was just excellent. No superhero worship here, but the realization that she could learn to do it for herself. The art was very nice, but I enjoyed the story most of all. These are legendary characters and it isn't known if they really existed, but I sure hope they did. :)
February 22, 2012
It's an amazing story and it's a fine book, it is a very good story that will hold rapt the attention of most readers. Also The artwork is lovely and funny. Definitely it is a good book for anyone interested in historical accounts of strong, unconventional women and especially those interested in martial arts.
March 27, 2018
First stunning art work.
The story was a lovely folk tale that focused on showing kung fu as more than a fighting style. The nun only took students who did not "just want to beat someone up". As an adult the authors note at the end was insightful. It has encouraged me to do some research into Asian fighting styles.
Also loved that both main characters were women!
The story was a lovely folk tale that focused on showing kung fu as more than a fighting style. The nun only took students who did not "just want to beat someone up". As an adult the authors note at the end was insightful. It has encouraged me to do some research into Asian fighting styles.
Also loved that both main characters were women!
March 21, 2011
From the Caldecott Medal-winning author/illustrator of "Mirette on the Highwire" comes this dramatic, multi-layered story of two legendary women warriors, Wu Mei, the "beautiful warrior", and her most famous pupil, Mingyi. Full color.
October 1, 2011
Checked this out of the library as a follow-up to The Ballad of Mulan, to read with my class. They absolutely LOVED it & so did I. Enough to buy a copy for my classroom. Wonderful message and beautiful illustrations.
March 2, 2014
Book #52 for 2013
This is a touching Chinese tale of inner strength and mindful living. I like how it teaches the true meaning of martial arts training, how it is about self-discipline, not violence or anger. The impressionistic illustrations are also quite appealing.
This is a touching Chinese tale of inner strength and mindful living. I like how it teaches the true meaning of martial arts training, how it is about self-discipline, not violence or anger. The impressionistic illustrations are also quite appealing.
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April 1, 2008McCully, Emily Arnold
January 14, 2009
Tells the story of two unlikely jung fu masters and how their skill in martial arts saves them both. Reign of the last Ming Emperor.
April 19, 2010
booklegger 2nd
July 18, 2011
good background for Kung Fu--really nice story.
May 23, 2012
Great example of how picture books are not just for younger readers. Older elementary age students and up could enjoy this read about a women who choose to be a warrior instead of a unwilling bride.
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June 16, 2015AD630L
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews