Tag: Arree Chung

Picture Book List: 15 Sneaky-​Good Books About Ninjas

On By Only Picture BooksIn Picture Book Lists

I tricked bribed asked my kiddo to handle another Bonus Goody, and this is the result. Enjoy this list of picture books about ninjas.

Did we we miss any? If so, please share those titles in the comments. Thanks!

10 Little Ninjas by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Nate Wragg (Aug 2016)

From Goodreads: “A charming bedtime counting book about ten sneaky little characters who aren’t ready to go to sleep… until daddy calls the sensei to send them back to bed.

It may be bedtime, but these little ninjas aren’t tired. They’re sliding, swinging, and slipping out of bed! Can Daddy and the sensei ever tuck them in? Filled with mischievous fun, 10 Little Ninjas will take young readers from playtime to bedtime again and again. Kids will love the astronauts, tigers, cowboys, dragons and more!”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 1–3 years

 

The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer (Feb 2014)

From Goodreads: “In this quirky twist on The Boy Who Cried Wolf, a boys excuses turn out to have an unexpected element of truth.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–6 years

 

Gritty Ninja by Mary Nhin (Feb 2020)

From Goodreads: “Gritty Ninja gives up when things get too hard.

Find out what happens in this book about growing grit and becoming mentally tough. Life is hard! It’s even harder for children who are just trying to figure things out. The new children’s book series, Ninja Life Hacks, was developed to help children learn valuable life skills. Fun, pint-​size characters in comedic books easy enough for young readers, yet witty enough for adults.The Ninja Life Hacks book series is geared to kids 4–10. Perfect for young readers, students in primary school, and toddlers. Excellent resource for counselors, parents, and teachers alike.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–8 years

 

Hello Ninja by N.D. Wilson, illustrated by Forrest Dickison (July 2020)

From Goodreads: “Global bedtime fun for ninjas! Whether they’re dancing nimbly through the tropics or hobnobbing with the king of France, ninjas large and small will love this new bedtime story from bestselling author N. D. Wilson.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 1–5 years

 

Hansel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Dan Santat (May 2016)

From Goodreads: “These ninja chicks are anything but chicken!

When Hensel and Gretel’s dad gets snatched by a fox, the sisters put their ninja skills to work to track him down before he can be stir-fried.

But are these two little chicks ready to take on a dark tangled forest, a tricky house made of corn bread, and an even trickier fox?

This plucky pair isn’t giving up without a fight! KIYA!”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–8 years

 

Little Kunoichi the Ninja Girl by Sanae Ishida (Nov 2015)

From Goodreads: “Meet Little Kunoichi, a young ninja in training!

On a “super secret island” in a “super  super  secret village,” Little Kunoichi, is struggling at school. Inspired by tiny Chibi Samurai’s practice and skills, she works harder than ever and makes a friend. Together, they show the power of perseverance, hard work, and coöperation, and they wow the crowd at the Island Festival. Through beautiful watercolor illustrations, and a funny and endearing story, Little Kunoichi will capture the imagination of young ninjas-in-training.

The endnotes contain additional information about sumo wrestling, ninja training, and other aspects of Japanese language and culture.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–7 years

 

My Grandma’s a Ninja by Todd Tarpley, illustrated by Danny Chatzikonstantinou (Mar 2015)

From Goodreads: “A laugh-​out-​loud story about a karate-​chopping grandma that will have children wondering what exceptional, out-​of-​the-​box and surprising talents their grandparents might have!

When Ethan’s grandma suggests they take a zip line to school, Ethan realizes that his grandma is a little different. In fact, she’s a ninja! Ethan is soon the hit of the school when his grandma drops from the ceiling at show-​and-​tell, and teaches the kids karate moves and how to do back flips in slow motion.

But having a ninja for a grandma is not everything Ethan hoped it would be. When his grandma deflates his team’s soccer ball, everyone is upset—including Ethan. Why can’t he just have a regular grandma? he wonders, until his new karate moves help him out during the championship game and everyone is happy that his grandma isn’t quite ordinary.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

 

Nina the Neighborhood Ninja by Sonia Panigrahy, illustrated by Hazel Quintanilla (Oct 2016)

From Goodreads: “Nina’s a girl who takes charge. She uses her brain and her muscles to complete rescue missions. She doesn’t mind getting dirty and climbing trees. It’s all part of the life of the everyday girl superhero. Young readers are encouraged to recognize that the traits of being smart, strong, and speedy exist within themselves. Young girls will find Nina the Neighborhood Ninja to be a positive affirmation that they too can be superheroes.”

  • 44 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–7 years

 

Ninja! by Arree Chung (June 2014)

From Goodreads: “A ninja must be strong, courageous, and silent! He creeps through the house on a secret mission. There may be obstacles! But have no fear—a true ninja can overcome all challenges..”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–5 years

 

Ninja Camp by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Jen Taylor (Jan 2019)

From Goodreads: “Pack your bags and grab your gear: you’re going to Ninja Camp! Listen closely to the ninja master, who will teach you everything you need to know to become a ninja warrior-​but it won’t be easy. You’ll have to be sly and swift, strong and speedy, and only then will you become a Ninja of the Night!

This fun and energetic book will delight and entertain kids and parents alike with its clever, rhyming verse and action-​packed depictions of the coolest camp around. For fans of Ninja Red Riding Hood who are looking for a lesson in teamwork and cool stealth skills.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

 

The Ninja Club Sleepover by Laura Gehl, illustrated by MacKenzie Haley (July 2020)

From Goodreads: “We are ninjas and ninjas are brave!

Willa and her best friends love ninjas. They have matching ninja backpacks and ninja t‑shirts, and at school they even form a ninja club. But Willa has a secret: she’s a werewolf! Worried that no one will understand, she hides the truth from her friends. Until Val has a sleepover for her birthday…and it’s on the night of the full moon.

Willa is overcome with nerves. When an accident reveals that her friends were hiding secrets too, she realizes maybe it’s not so important to be a normal ninja. After all, a paranormal ninja can do so many cool things!

Join three remarkable friends as they discover that ALL of us are weird in our own special ways. Lovable and lively illustrations accompany this charming story that explores facing your fears and fitting in, encouraging readers to celebrate their true selves.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

 

North Pole Ninjas: Mission: Christmas! by Tyler Knott Gregson and Sarah Linden, illustrated by Piper Thibodeau (Oct 2018)

From Goodreads: “East meets North in  North Pole Ninjas , a yuletide call-​to-​arms to save the spirit of Christmas.

You may not know that Santa has a team of special elves, selected for their ability to help carry out top-​secret missions that are all about helping, giving, caring, and listening. Anyone who reads this book is called upon to help carry out those top-​secret missions with a bit of stealth and an open heart. The gorgeously illustrated picture book retells the legend of the North Pole Ninjas for new recruits. After reading the book, readers can print their own Ninja missions to carry out.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–8 years

 

The Secrets of Ninja School by Deb Pilutti (March 2018)

From Goodreads: “Ruby sets out to learn her own secret skill at Master Willow’s School for Ninjas in this charming picture book that celebrates confidence, creativity, and kindness.

Includes a craft for making a felt stuffed dragon!

Master Willow’s Ninja School is a place where junior ninja saplings must learn many important how to make themselves invisible, fight skillfully, meditate patiently and―most importantly―how to be brave and unleash their own secret talent. But Ruby’s no good at traditional ninja skills and she seems too afraid to conquer her fears. Can a quiet, gentle sapling really graduate from ninja school? Yes! Especially when she taps into her own special talents.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years 

 

The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz, illustrated by Dan Santat (Sept 2012)

From Goodreads: “Practice makes perfect in this kick-​butt fractured fairy tale.

Why does this wolf think he can come to town and blow all the houses down? These three little pigs just aren’t going to take it from that bully anymore! The first starts aikido lessons—he’ll make mincemeat out of that wolf! His brother learns a little jujitsu—he’ll chop that guy to pieces!

But when the wolf actually appears, it turs out these two pigs aren’t quite ready after all. Good thing their sister has been training every day to master some serious karate moves that save the day. KIYA!

Corey Rosen Schwartz serves up a fun combination of smart-​aleck dialogue and tongue-​in-​cheek rhymes that’ll have kids howling, and rising star Dan Santat’s spunky illustrations are sure to pack a punch!”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–6 years 

 

Wink, the Ninja Who Wanted to Be Noticed by J.C. Phillips (Mar 2009)

From Goodreads: “The happiest day of Wink’s life was when he was accepted to the Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas. He is sure that he will be a great ninja. Silence is the first lesson and everyone is very very silent … except for Wink. Stealth is the second lesson and everyone is very very stealthy … except for Wink. Finally, Wink decides that he will be silent and stealthy. But no one notices! What?s the point of being a great ninja if no one notices? Maybe Wink wasn’t meant to be a ninja? This daring debut is an adventure-​lover’s dream”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–7 years

 

Only Picture Books’ 18 Favorites of 2018

On By Only Picture BooksIn OPB Favorites, Picture Book Lists

What better way to close out 2018 than with a list of OPB’s 18 favorites from this past year?

Some of these titles appeared in the (digital) pages of OPB.

Some didn’t. (Alas, this isn’t a comprehensive PB review site like PW, Kirkus, or others.)

But make no mistake–I’m a fan of these 18 titles. I’ll even offer up a sentence or three for each to give a sense about why I liked them.

 

Note #1: Every book listed below is a total winner via my super-​subjective estimation. By that, I mean:

  • I own a copy. (Yep. Not just the freebie ARCs/​galleys here!)
  • I’d be happy to read any of these with a child.
  • I’d be happy to re-​read any of these, even without a child handy.
  • I’d be happy to have written, illustrated, and/​or edited ANY of these.
  • I’d be pleased as Hawaiian punch for any of the involved authors, illustrators, and editors to hit up OPB for an interview. HINT HINT HINT!

Note #2: They aren’t ranked in any particular way, save alphabetically by title. Want to know the #1 picture book of 2018? Read them yourself and make your own choice. Post your choice as a comment here. Or offer it up on your social media. Or add your glowing recommendation on an Amazon or Goodreads page.

Note #3: I like notes.

Note #4: There should be more picture books about sloths. (Please refer to question #1 of the Speed Round of editor Kait Feldmann’s OPB interview for proof of this profound sloth lack!)

Note #5: Refer to notes 1–4, as needed.

Are You Scared, Darth Vader? by Adam Rex (3 July 2018)

I often bring a picture book to share at my SCBWI PALs meetings, and this one brought the house down. It’s loads of fun, but it’s far more than just a Star Wars nostalgia riff. Well done, Mr. Rex!

 

Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson (9 October 2018)

If you liked Last Stop on Market Street, you’ll love de la Peña’s new book that powerfully spotlights children who are worthy of our attention. Plus Robinson’s acrylic paintings are rich and captivating. Simply terrific.

Enjoy an Oct 2018 interview about Carmela Full of Wishes with Matt and Christian at PW.

 

A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Marlon Bundo and Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG Keller

To everyone’s surprise, political satire and picture books can go together like chocolate and peanut butter. Plus Jim Parsons really rocks it on the audio version.

 

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López (28 August 2018)

It’s a memorable, inclusive story with lyrical writing and dreamy art. This is a book for every child who feels alone (which is to say “everybody” at one time or another).

Here’s The New York Times article on two of Woodson’s books (including this one).

 

Drawn Together by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat (5 June 2018)

This gorgeous book shows the power of art–and the creative process–in action. It’s a visual WOW.

Here’s a June 2018 NPR interview with Minh Lê about Drawn Together.

 

Giraffe Problems by Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith (25 September 2018)

About twice a month, I go to my local library and grab two huge bags of whatever picture books catch my eye. Then I read them all at home. That’s the story of how I got introduced to this book, and it was the star of the whole batch by far. Clever. And full of positive messages too.

Here’s a Dec 2018 “speed interview” with Jory John on this cool book.

 

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang (15 May 2018)

The simplistic yet powerfully expressive illustrations are first-​rate. Plus there’s something wonderful about a grumpy monkey screaming “I’m not grumpy!” This is great for a kindergarten reading session. They’ll all make the faces along with the characters for sure.

 

How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk, illustrated by Sara Palacios (15 Mary 2018)

No rhymes or delicious puns here, but instead you have a kid-​friendly book that shows how to break down a seemingly big problem into small, manageable steps. It’s smart, useful, and just silly enough to keep all the learning fun.

Here’s a “Simply 7” interview (by Jena Benton) with the always-​interesting Josh Funk.

 

I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (2 October 2018)

I’ve been paying attention to this picture book team since I Am Yoga and they continue to deliver. This book is a fine celebration of the beautiful imperfectness of humanity. It’s a book that says it’s okay to make mistakes, and that’s a fine lesson for young readers that counteracts the over-​tested, over-​scheduled, must-have-GPAs-higher-than‑4.0 world in which we live.

 

I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët (24 April 2018)

I’ve been a fan of this husband-​wife team since their graphic novel Beautiful Darkness. This picture book shows just how magical a wordless story can be.

Here’s a fine review of I Walk with Vanessa at Unleashing Readers.

 

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (23 April 2018)

This is a book that could’ve gone wrong in a host of ways … but doesn’t. It’s beautiful and empowering without being preachy.

Here’s a May 2018 interview with Jessica about this book at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

 

Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung (3 July 2018)

This celebratory book feels more relevant by the day. I’m also a fan of the graphic, eye-​catching style.

Read the full review of Mixed at OPB!

 

Night Job by Karen Hesse, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (11 September 2018)

This gentle story has a great big heart and Karas’ mixed media illustrations are spot-​on in every way.

Here’s the starred review of Night Job at Kirkus.

 

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno (10 April 2018)

I know Rob pretty well and despite that (just kidding, Rob!), I think this book is tremendously good and tremendously important. When Rob visited my Writing Picture Books class at Ringling College in spring 2018, he shared this book with them–it became the #1 most talked-​about book of the entire semester for the students, and for that reason alone, it’s got to be on this list. I also really dig the back matter timelines.

 

The Boo-​Boos that Changed the World: A True Story About an Accidental Invention (Really!) by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Chris Hsu (13 February 2018)

The retro look draws me in as much as the well-​told story about a now-​omnipresent first aid item.

Here’s a March 2018 speed interview with Barry at The Children’s Book Review.

 

The Eye that Never Sleeps: How Detective Pinkerton Saved President Lincoln by Marissa Moss, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes (6 November 2018)

The hip cartoony style works well with the text to present a memorable read about one of America’s greatest detectives.

 

The Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee (2 October 2018)

This book proves to be quite the discussion starter on the concepts of perspective and assumptions.

Here’s an October 2018 Q&A with Jon at PW.

Here’s an October 2018 interview with Jon at Let’s Talk Picture Books.

 

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins (19 June 2018)

The character? Hilarious. The ending? Delightful. It’s the type of back-​to-​school book I wish I had when my kids were little.

Here’s a Q&A with Ryan at PW.

Picture Book Review: Mixed: A World of Colour

On By Only Picture BooksIn Picture Book Reviews

 

Mixed: A World of Colour
Author: Arree Chung
Illustrator: Arree Chung
Henry Holt and Co.
3 July 2018
40 pages

 

This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Top Tamale at Only Picture Books) and Florida-​based author/​illustrator Fred Koehler.

–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–

Arree Chung’s new picture book, Mixed, feels tailor-​made for the discordant world of today. Three colors–Blues, Reds, and Yellows–all live together in relative peace and harmony, until one day, Reds quite suddenly declare that they’re the best. The Yellows respond: “No! We’re the BEST because we’re the brightest!” (The Blues? They’re “too cool” to even point out what is obvious to them–Blues are best!)

As a result, the colors segregate themselves to color-​specific parts of the city. Then one day, a Yellow befriends a Blue. Before long, a new color emerges (Spoiler: Yellow + Blue = Green) and the world is full of new, exciting possibilities that create a sense of togetherness and belonging.

This sweet tale teaches readers about basic colors and how they mix to create new colors. But it also shares a non-​didactic message of  tolerance, understanding, and valuing differences that young people–and adults–can’t hear enough.

The simple, declarative sentences are potent and appropriate. Equally valuable, they’re of a level that most kids will be able to say aloud as the story is read and re-​read. That participatory element is an important part of internalizing this powerful message.

This book is so charming and spot on that I’ll even overlook the bonus “u” in the title word “colors,” which I acknowledge is the standard spelling in pretty much every English-​speaking country EXCEPT America. (If you have an issue with that, blame Noah Webster! I do!)

4.75 out of 5 pencils

–Fred’s Review of the Illustration–

Picture book artists often feel like we need to fill our pages with loads of detail to successfully tell a story. Just look at any book I’ve illustrated! 😂

The real magic happens when an artist becomes so good at their craft that they can tell MORE story with LESS detail. Some contemporary geniuses at this include folks like Greg Pizzoli, Debbie Ohi, Hervé Tullet, Oliver Jeffers, and, may I submit, Arree Chung.

Mixed isn’t just a hope-​filled parable about the beauty of inter-​chroma coupling. It’s an absolute masterclass in visual storytelling. I mean, how many variations can you have on a simple, colored dot anthropomorphized to have human(ish) qualities? Apparently dozens and dozens. The beauty of Chung’s work is in the consistent, fun, unexpected details that give life and personality to each of his characters.

As the story builds, so do the visual details, matching pace with the tension in the words. Then, unexpected things happen. And as you reach the penultimate scenes, you’ll be crying multicolored prisms of joy.

Aside from the visuals, my other favorite part is that by using colored dots as stand-​ins for people, Chung has given us room to discuss important issues of race without the need to get defensive or point fingers. I recommend this book for all collections.

5 out of 5 crayons

Fred Koehler is an artist and storyteller whose real-​life misadventures include sunken boats, covert border crossings, and fighting off robbers in the dead of night. Whether free diving in the Gulf of Mexico or backpacking across Africa, Fred’s sense of adventure and awe of nature overflow into his characters’ stories.

Between book projects, Fred also runs a highly-​sought after design studio, helping brands across the US learn to tell their own stories.

Fred is passionate about encouraging young artists, promoting social justice, and conserving our environment. He lives in Florida with his wife, kids, and a rescue dog named Cheerio Mutt-​Face McChubbybutt.