As a mom, I think the Power Rangers TV shows and movies are pretty cheesy, but in a harmless, ‘60s sci-fi, Godzilla destroys the world sort of way. However, my kids gobble them up like so much sugary breakfast cereal.

At least their interest in Power Rangers got them involved in martial arts. Lucie and Nathan have taken karate lessons for over a year and a half and will be getting their brown belts next month. And did I mention that Lucie was a Power Ranger for Halloween?

So when I heard that there were two new Power Rangers movies, I had to get them for the kids for Christmas.  First, there’s Power Rangers: Jungle Fury – Into the Jungle (Vol. 1). The fury of an ancient evil is unleashed, calling for three new teenage heroes to rise up and defend the world. The valiant skills of the Order Of the Claw have kept a 10,000-year-old spirit completely caged…until now. Dai Shi has escaped and three new warriors must find and destroy him.

Then there’s Power Rangers: Jungle Fury – Way of the Master (Vol. 2). Our heroes team up against the evil Dai Shi forces once more. This time the Power Rangers are trained in the ways of the master by members of the Kung Fu clan. But can they learn new weapons, work closely as a team, and harness their jungle pride? (Oh my, the drama! I have to laugh.)

More martial arts movie and book fun

If the cartoon violence is a little too much for your karate kid, there’s always Kung Fu Panda and the The Karate Kid movies. But how about some books?

• Karate for Kids - For ages nine to 12, this book can help kids interested in karate or already involved in classes. It covers the history of karate, the uniform, the meaning of the belt colors, the rules and etiquette of the dojo, and interaction between student and teacher. Karate stances are also illustrated.
• Angels Don’t Know Karate – An Adventures Of The Bailey School Kids book for children ages nine to 12. Miss Angela Michaels, the new karate teacher in Bailey City, who is also the school crossing guard, is so kind and generous that Melody becomes convinced that she is a guardian angel.
• Julie Black Belt: The Kung Fu Chronicles – For ages four to eight, Oliver Chin’s book introduces children to martial arts through Julie. She thinks getting a black belt will be easy, but it’s harder than she thinks. Can this “white belt” pass her next test to show her family the sport’s true spirit? 
• Jojos Flying Sidekick In order for JoJo to advance from a white to a yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do, she must break a board with a flying side kick. She’s worried and her friends and family offer support and advice. Can she pass? For children ages four to eight.

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