As I was organizing my childrens’ bookshelf the other day, I noticed that we have A LOT of picture books featuring ninjas. This could be a sign that I live in a house with little boys or the fact that ninjas are just cool and will capture any little kids eye. Ninjas are sneaky, determined, clever and adventurous. What little kid wouldn’t want to be a ninja?
I pulled together our favorites and put them together in a list for you. I can honestly say that we have read all of the books on this list at least 20 times and they are still at the top of my all-time favorite books we own.
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by ND Wilson, Illustrated by Forrest Dickinson
This is the ninja book that got us started on our love of ninjas. It is a short, rhyming board book which makes it perfect for your youngest reading. Because of the easy to remember pattern, my kids and I can not repeat this book word for word. The little boy in this story takes the reader through a day in the life of a ninja with his imagination. And a bonus to this book, it ends with the ninja falling asleep, making this the best book to read right before bedtime.
by Corey Rosen Schwartz, Illustrated by Dan Santat
This book is a take on the classic story, “The Three Little Pigs.” These pigs must learn to outsmart the big, bad wolf but in this book they are all ninjas studying different forms of martial arts. Corey Rosen Schwartz writes in the most entertaining way which hooks any little reader’s ears. He writes with rhymes that gives this book the perfect reading flow. Will these ninja pigs be able to outsmart the big bad wolf this time? I especially love that the third little pig is a girl in this version.
by Arree Chung
Our family can totally relate to this story. The boy in this books can’t find anyone in his house to play with. His mom, dad, and sister are all just too busy. But, little does he know, after realizing his disappointment, his ninja clan has a surprise in store for him. Arree Chung has a very unique style. My kids were especially drawn to it. The pages are displayed in panels like a comic book and he uses speech bubbles instead of narration. There are two other books in this ninja series, Ninja and Ninja Claus
by C.J. Leigh, Illustrated by Chris Gall
This is another take on a classic story, “The Gingerbread Man.” Set in a dojo, in this version it is a sensei that mixes up the recipe for the ninjabread man, who escapes before being eaten. Can this cookie escape the animals in this book and outsmart the clever fox at the end?
by Chris Tougas
This might be our favorite ninja book and it comes in a three book series. The first book starts off as ninja parents drop off their little ninjas at a dojo style daycare center. The wild and mischievous ninjas give the master a run for his money until one little ninja steps in to remind the rest about the behavior code that the master has been trying to teach. We love how this book is written because it rhymes and has repeated phrases that my kids like to say as we read. This is a must add to your home libary.
by Chris Tougas
In this sequel to Dojo Daycare, this time the master takes the sneaky ninja kids on a field trip to the farm. It’s no surprise that these mischievous ninjas wreck havoc the minute they get there. When master finds himself in trouble, it’s his crazy ninjas who step in to help, using his famous ninja creed as their guide. The ending to this one is especially surprising and makes my kids laugh every time.
by Chris Tougas
In the third book of this series, these sneaky little ninjas are at it again, but this time they have good intentions. They are throwing a surprise party for their master, who happens to get scared by the noises and shadows they are creating behind him. Written in the same appealing format and flow as the other two in the series, my kids just gobble this one up!
Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Be Noticed
by J.C. Phillipps
Wink is accepted to ninja school and couldn’t be more excited. But soon, Wink learns that ninjas need to be quiet and stealthy, and this is not who Wink is. Wink wants to be loud and boisterous. Wink learns to stay true to his own self and not change to fit in with everyone else. The ending of this book has a great lesson for young readers.
by Deb Pilutti
Young ninja girls and boys come to the ninja school to learn the ways of a ninja but also their own secret skill. Little Ruby realizes she lacks the bravery of a ninja and just can’t seem to find her secret skill. But late one night, she discovers she is in fact brave and that kindness and compassion just might be the best ninja skill of them all.
by Mary Nhin, Illustrated by Jelena Stupar
This book comes from a series of books called Ninja Life Hacks Growth Mindset. It’s a series of books focusing on personality qualities. In unplugged ninja, children learn how to detox from technology. Yes, this is a very difficult idea for my kids to accept but this book explains the concept in a fun and humorous way and gives realistic solutions to help with digital detoxing.
There you have it. Our top picks for the best ninja children’s books. These will keep your little readers engaged, entertained and inspired at every turn of the page.
Let me know if you have read and loved any of those books or if you have any others that we might want to add to our home library. Drop me a comment below. I love hearing from YOU all!
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