Hurray! It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday once again!
Today I have a book I’ve been wanting to share since November, but what with missing PPBFs for the contests and holidays, and posting holiday-themed books etc, it’s taken me until now. It’s a special book and I hope you’ll get the chance to read it!
Title: Ninja Boy’s Secret
Written & Illustrated By: Tina Schneider
Tuttle Publishing, September 17 2019, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-8
Themes/Topics: being yourself, music
Opening: “Ninja Boy did not want to be a ninja.
He did not want to be still as a stone.
He did not want to climb trees just to disappear into the leaves.
He did not want to slink across rooftops on silent cat feet.”
Brief Synopsis: (from the jacket copy) “What do you do when you’re a Ninja who marches to a different beat? With his faithful dog in tow, Ninja Boy makes his way from silence to song as he finds his voice and his calling.”
text and illustration copyright Tina Schneider 2019, Tuttle Publishing
Links To Resources: the back endpaper has illustrated definitions of some of the less familiar words in the story; the story mentions sonatas and concertos – listen to one of each and talk about what you hear; draw a picture of what you most want to be or do; write a poem about something that matters deeply to you – perhaps in the form of haiku since the story is Japanese; make musical note snacks(recipe); make Do-Re-Mi Music Cupcakes (recipe)
text and illustration copyright Tina Schneider 2019, Tuttle Publishing
Why I Like This Book: This is a book for anyone who has ever wanted to be themself, in spite of what others might expect of them. Without belligerence or negative confrontation, Ninja Boy simply reveals who he is. He cannot be his father. He must be himself. And there is so much joy and rightness in who he is, that his father not only accepts him, but embraces his difference. Ninja Boy has his own way of bringing joy and beauty and goodness into the world. And shouldn’t everyone be encouraged to do that? The art perfectly matches the story, and I love the the musical notes and staffs, the parts of the violin, and other little details that are tucked within it. This is a lovely book to share with any little individual you know 🙂
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 🙂
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific links (and any other info you feel like filling out 🙂 ) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!! 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Susanna, what great illustrations. I love his accompanying dog! The violin making a rainbow of sound through the tulips is stunning. I am excited to read this one. Thanks.
It’s a lovely book, Maria! I hope you like it!
This looks so lovely! What a special story! Love how the music is compared to growing flowers.
The language throughout is wonderful, Andrea, and the message is one all kids can benefit from!
I can’t wait to read this! It looks great!
It really is, Jennifer! I believe it is the author’s debut, and I’m looking forward to seeing what she writes next!
Wow! Wasn’t expecting the story you’ve shared from the title and cover. Sounds wonderful!
That is one of the things that makes the story so wonderful, Patricia! It’s unexpected!
My great-grandson would adore this book. Love the message about wanting to be yourself.
It’s beautifully done, Pat. I think you and your great-grandson will both enjoy it!
I have to admit that I thought this was a story about being a ninja. Clearly, that’s not the case. I love how tuned in the main character is as he shares the beautiful ways he sees and hears the world around him. I think this book provides the perfect conversation opener for the many ways kids need to express their differences.
It really does, Leslie. It’s a wonderful story. And the part where he tells his father, and the father’s reaction are so beautifully done.
I can’t wait to read this book! Love that he does not want to be what is expected, but what he is at heart.
Yes, Angie, something we can all be encouraged by! Hope you like the book if you get to read it!
What a perfectly kid-friendly way to discuss the topic of being true to yourself. Can’t wait to read it! : )
It really well done, Katie. One of those books you pick up not knowing quite what to expect and are happily delighted by!
This sounds like a wonderful book, Susanna! And I, too, love these cool B&W illustrations that break into color as Ninja boy shows his true colors. You know, I used to be an engineer before I was brave enough to show my true colors, LOL. Cheers!
It IS a wonderful book, Jilanne! And WOW! You were an engineer? Kudos to you for following your bliss!
Oh my gosh…the illustrations are amazing…and the lyrical text actually makes my heart sing. Thank you for sharing this one…I might not have found out about it otherwise.
You’re welcome, Vivian! It is a hidden gem! I was so happy to find it!
ninja fiddling? cool! I love the illustrations as well as the story.
It is delightfully unexpected, Sue! 🙂
Looks like a great book! Thanks for telling us about it.
I lurv black and white in picture books! Will look for it!
I love the look of the illustrations and the intriguing premise. I’ll check it out!