Jenifer Tull-Gauger

The Can-Do Karate Kid Jenifer Tull-Gauger

Makoto, a karate kid, is well-acquainted with Laziness and Procrastination. These character traits are embodied as a blue slug monster and a green and blue snail that can change sizes. They are his constant companions and the slothful life with them is fine with Makoto.

But then, on the way to his karate belt test, Makoto realizes that Laziness and Procrastination influenced him to leave his uniform top at home. He comes up with the great idea of borrowing a top, so he won't have to go back for it and miss his test. After he arrives late, his good friend, Michi, tests without him while Makoto sits, embarrassed and confused at the edge of the training mat. After he finds out that you are not allowed to arrive late to a karate test, his parents let him feel the repercussions of his slothful actions. They insist that they and he sit down to have a talk with the head karate instructor.

Makoto realizes that Laziness and Procrastination are causing him problems in other areas of life like school. Not to mention he can't seem to get his parents off his back with their constant nagging. He learns that Laziness and Procrastination are his enemies.

He decides to use his karate school's Dojo Kun to fight Laziness and Procrastination with such character traits as doing his best, perseverance, respect and self-discipline. It's not easy to do this, day in and day out, but Makoto feels great when he meets his goals like finishing his reading book and getting to school on time. Will Makoto be able to keep his new-found karate power so he'll be invited to test again for his next belt?