Jack B. Ninja

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2018

Review

McCanna and Savage bring the high kicks, mission suspense and death-defying leaps of an action ninja movie to the preschool set in this rhyming picture book. Jack B. Ninja goes on a secret mission, finds the secret treasure, trips a wire, and ends up being surrounded by Ninjas. All is well because it is his family celebrating his birthday. The twist at the end will be approved by all budding ninjas since the characters stay ninjas throughout, no dream sequence here. Savage's illustrative style of large characters on wide expansions of space provides the right touch of danger in dark and shadowy colors. Singular images in the background like pagodas, pond lilies, bridges and bamboo stalks suggest the setting. McCanna's text flows smoothly in the rhyming scheme while clearing describing Jack B. Ninja's actions and reactions. Young ninja fans will jump for this one.

Overall Book Score: good