Chop ‘Em Open and Read!
Kick-Butt Ninja Books for Kids
by Tom Burns
There’s a new reading holiday — and trust us, you won’t see this one coming. December 5th has been declared National Ninja Day, and the team behind “Ninjas Reads” wants you and your martial arts-loving kids to celebrate all things masked and sneaky by organizing a “Ninja Storytime” where you can all read some cool ninja books for kids. Sounds fun, right?
Because kids love ninjas. Well, at least pop-culture ninja anyway. While most children don’t want to sweat the true origins of the espionage-loving mercenaries from feudal Japan, kids do love the empowering idea that, with a mask, some patience, and an awesome headband, they can take the world by surprise and jump-kick their way out of almost any problem.
If your child is a big reader and a big fan of all things ninja, you should definitely check out NinjasRead.com. And, if you need some ideas for your own National Ninja Day storytime this December (or any time of the year, really), here are a few of our favorite ninja books for kids that should delight your young reader (and maybe teach them a few new moves too).
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The Three Ninja Pigs
Available from:Corey Rosen Schwartz is the patron saint of picture book ninjas. Not only is she one of the minds behind Ninjas Reads, but she’s also written a hysterical series of ninja/folktale picture books, starting with 2012’s The Three Ninja Pigs. Have the housebuilding three little pigs always seemed a little passive for your tastes? Then you’ll love this bent take on the classic, where each pig learns a different martial art in their quest to take down the bullying big bad wolf.
Schwartz is also responsible for Ninja Red Riding Hood (also with Dan Santat) and Hensel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks (co-written by Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Santat). Basically, if your kid ever wanted a lot more crane kicks in their fairy tales, Corey Rosen Schwartz has got you covered.
Ages 5 - 8Also available from: -
Ninja Bunny
One of the best things about the ninja lifestyle is that it teaches kids that ANYONE can become a powerful, sneaky, high-kicking superhero … even cute little bunnies. Children will adore this earnest, enthusiastic picture book where a Little Bunny breaks down his 10 essential rules about how to become a super-awesome ninja. Olson contrasts the bunny’s overhyped ninja rules with the bunny’s reality — his idea of “ninja flying” is falling out of a tree — to hilarious effect.
Ages 3 - 7 -
Dojo Daycare
If you think your normal daycare is crazy (we can’t pay those caregivers enough), can you imagine how insane a ninja daycare must be? When the ninja parents drop their kids off at the “Dojo Daycare,” things quickly go south for the dojo’s master. He begs the wild masked children to pay attention to “honor, kindness, and respect,” but the l’il ninjas just want to kick and punch and tear the place apart. Fortunately, one little ninja helps turn his classmates around before the parents arrive for pickup. A fast, fun read for any child (or parent) who’s all too familiar with daycare chaos.
Ages 3 - 7 -
Little Kunoichi, The Ninja Girl
Available from:This warm-hearted, imaginative story does a fantastic job of using one girl’s journey to perfect her ninja skills to show children the benefits of perseverance and hard work. Utilizing beautiful watercolor illustrations, Ishida introduces us to Kunoichi, a young ninja apprentice who’s having a hard time with her training and who’s worried that she might not be ready for her big performance at the Island Festival. Eventually, her friend (a samurai in training) helps her succeed, but Ishida gets extra points for her message that perfection doesn’t matter if you try your hardest — and for the book’s appendix that teaches kids about real ninjas and Japanese culture.
Ages 3 - 7Also available from: -
Ninja!
What kid hasn’t imagined themselves as a ninja, silently sneaking around their house and hoping that no one from their family can see them? Chung brings that universal experience to life in this awesomely expressive picture book that really tries to get inside the mind of one young boy as he carries out his imagined ninja mission. His goal might not exactly be “honorable” — he’s trying to steal his sister’s milk and cookies — but Chung expertly shows us how vividly the boy embellishes his surroundings with his ninja fantasies. The author also followed it up with the equally fun Ninja! Attack of the Clan.
Ages 4 - 7 -
10 Little Ninjas
Guess who doesn’t like to sleep? Ninjas! And maybe a few kids you know too. This bedtime book is perfect for the can’t-quite-settle-down kiddo who’d like just a little more adventure and fun before lights out. With some funny antics, useful counting, and the help of a sensei, these little ninjas may just close their eyes after all.
Ages 2 - 5
Know any other high-kicking ninja reads for kids? Add your favorites in the comments below.