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
