Jack B. Ninja

April 16, 2018
Bold, dramatic compositions give this story’s digital illustrations the visual impact of traffic signals. Spinning a familiar nursery rhyme, the verse introduces the young ninja in action: “Jack, jump over the bamboo stick!” He’s a black-clad, doll-like figure with a perfectly round head, and the cherry blossoms and a red torii arch behind him place the action in Japan. “Secret mission starts tonight./ Hide in shadow, out of sight.” Against the setting sun, Jack appears from behind a ridge, checking for danger. McCanna’s (Barnyard Boogie) rhyming stanzas gallop along: “Jack B. Ninja, bold and brave,/ breaks into a bandit cave./ Tiptoes, searching through the dark./ Makes no sound and leaves no mark.” It’s not clear at first what he’s going after as he dives underwater and enters a cave; then, he emerges with a treasure chest. A thrilling rescue takes place, and the unexpected contents of the chest are revealed. This fast-moving readaloud adventure is just right for a quiet break between ninja practice sessions. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Caryn Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Assoc.

July 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 1-This simple playful adaptation of the traditional rhyme opens "Jack B. Ninja! Jack, be quick! Jack, jump over the bamboo stick!" Jack is on a secret mission. He has to go underwater, through a cave, and avoid the bandits in order to return the treasure to his ninja master. But what is the treasure? A fun surprise at the end will delight readers. The bouncy rhyming text will make this a fun read-aloud that doesn't get tiring after multiple readings. The digital artwork features ninjas dressed in solid black with only their eyes visible. The backgrounds are brightly colored with simple lines. The text and illustrations combined create a fun and engaging story. VERDICT This cute and appealing read-aloud would be a fun addition to a ninja-themed storytime and any units on fractured rhymes.-V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2018
A child ninja in Japan embarks on his first covert mission in this fractured nursery rhyme."Jack B. Ninja! Jack, be quick! / Jack, jump over the bamboo stick!" Now that training is complete, his first mission commences. Told in rhyming couplets similar to, but at times not as fluent as, the original rhyme's, the novice's skills are put to the test. "Hide in shadow, out of sight." He sneaks past a line of faceless samurai. In a Japanese garden, he finds an underwater tunnel and eventually infiltrates "a bandit cave." There he finds his objective: a small red chest. Each obstacle Jack faces is introduced and resolved on the same page, including the climax of conflict: He is trapped in a pit full of bandits. Due to the lack of suspense and any obvious struggle, the plot has an overall lighthearted quality. However, its rapid, happy rhymes, paired with a decent twist when the chest's contents are finally revealed, will appeal to little readers, especially during a read-aloud. The clean type, rhyme, and repetition also make this a good choice for a beginning reader. Savage's illustrations are minimalist in detail and bold, with simple shapes and lines. He makes effective use of bright, contrasting colors, which pop to the eye. Still, this is but one ninja book on a crowded shelf.This ninja leaves no lasting mark, yet it has enough quick rhymes and tricks that it will have young fans requesting repeat visits. (Picture book. 3-6)

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January 1, 2019
Never mind that candlestick: "Jack B. Ninja! Jack, be quick! / Jack, jump over the bamboo stick!" Young Jack proceeds to dive underwater, bust into a bandit cave, and recover stolen treasure. This sleekly illustrated stealth fantasy inspired by the classic nursery rhyme becomes even more fantastical when the bandits turn out to be Jack's family members, who present him with a birthday cake.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)