I've been a fan of Bortz's unique and visionary work for some time. She writes plays that are as surrealist and subversive as Alfred Jarry's. She has produced contemporary radio plays adapting the writing of Arch Oboler (the Rod Serling of radio) and the equally surrealist Roslayn Drexler. Her record label introduced the world to the also unique Marianne Nowottny -- and put out an all-cats single, "El Gato." In "Laying Down the Law" and its prequel "Kung Fu Kitty" she moves the Exodus story to a folkloric China peopled by cats, dragons and monkeys. I think of them as children's books for adults (and smart, sophisticated children). They're beautifully written, intricately plotted, and laced with elaborate jokes. Wonderful illos, too. If Lewis Carroll and L. Frank Baum were alive, they'd be fans
Kung Fu Kitty is a charming and enthralling novella with an included DVD adaptation. The adventure is loosely based on the Biblical book of Exodus: in land far and away, the race of monkeys has enslaved the race of cats. The oppressed cats suffer terribly, and though the appear to be in the strong position, they are also harmed by their society's over-dependence on their feline slaves. Into this world, the will of the river god brings two girls together as friends: Wu Zhua, a brave kitten, and Shuang Wei, the two-tailed monkey princess destined to succeed to the throne (since her brother's arrogance and uncouth behavior leave him unfit to rule). Together, these two are destined to help their respective societies change for the better. Shaung Wei must teach the monkeys independence, while Wu Zhua learns the strength that comes with martial arts (kung fu) and shares that strength, preparing the cats to leave the monkey kingdom and find their own destiny. Simple black-and-white illustrations pepper this captivating storybook, which is sure to appeal not only to children but also cat lovers (and monkey fans) of all ages.
By Peggy Tibbetts - Published on Amazon.com
In the Monkey Kingdom, all cats live as slaves of the monkeys. Wu Zhua was born with five claws into a family of six-clawed cats. The Monkey King denounces her and demands she be drowned. Her mother, Ma Mao cannot bear to see her special kitten destroyed. With the help of Zhi Shui Zhi Shen, the Water God, she sends Wu Zhua upriver to live with the exiled Monkey Princess Shuang Wei who was banished for her own particular deformity. Wu Zhua and Shuang Wei live together like sisters for many years until one day the Monkey King becomes ill. Shuang Wei is called upon to fulfill her duties as Heir to the throne.
The sudden calling thrusts Wu Zhua and Shuang Wei back into the Monkey Kingdom where monkeys and cats are not friends. They are master and slave and Wu Zhua's master is the Princess. Wu Zhua learns the truth about her past and the plight of the oppressed cats and kittens. Zhi Shui Zhi Shen makes an unusual return appearance and shows Wu Zhua the path to her destiny. Must Wu Zhua go to war with Shuang Wei in order to liberate the cat kingdom?
Based on the story of Exodus, "Kung Fu Kitty" illuminates a different way to achieve courage and strength. Bortz has created a mystical tale - in more ways than one - of self-discovery and friendship. Wu Zhua will pounce into the hearts of readers. Nowottny's black and white drawings add just the right amount of Chinese flavor to spice this up into an original and appealing graphic novel.
As an added bonus, this book comes with a DVD. The video presentation of the story is narrated by Lauri Bortz. It stars four talented live cats, a horde of mischievous stuffed monkeys, and eye-popping special effects. Altogether this makes a uniquely charming package.
http://www.verymagazine.org/magazine/issue-12/117-overview-issue-12/509-kung-fu-kitty
