Legendary Ninja of Feudal Japan by Benjamin Harper

Today, we're heading back into the realm on nonfiction with an upcoming book in the Legendary Warrior series. I haven't taken a peek at any of the other books, yet, but still wanted to give this one a go. It appears that each book centers around a different 'warrior' from history, so it shouldn't matter what order they are read in. I also find the graphic novel idea interesting and am curious to see how it weaves into this. Plus, what type of information will it hold? Because I've known more than a few middle graders, who have dreamed of learning some ninja skills.

The only way to answer all of these questions is to open this book up and take a peek!

LEGENDARY NINJA OF FEUDAL JAPAN

Legendary Warriors Graphics

by Benjamin Harper

Illustrated by Mary Ainza

Capstone Press

Middle Grade Nonfiction  /  Graphic Novel

48 pages

ages 9 to 11

COMING JANUARY 1st!!!

Silent. Deadly. Unseen. The ninja of ancient Japan were masters of stealth, espionage, and surprise attacks. Trained in the shadows, they specialized in unarmed combat, swordplay, and secrecy. These legendary warriors carried out secret missions for powerful warlords, striking fear into their enemies with their speed and skill. Through dynamic paneled art and gripping text, this action-packed graphic novel uncovers the truth behind the real ninja of feudal Japan. Perfect for history buffs and comic book fans alike.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

The year-long training of a ninja comes across with deserved respect as a boy follows his path and learns the necessary skills.

Ninjas aren't so much about impressive fighting skills as they are stealth, and these pages follow the training of a young boy all the way to his first mission. It takes on a bit of a story feel as the boy watches others train, speaks with his master, and does his best to learn each skill. The year-long work is brought across clearly, and these pages show how it begins with fundamentals such as strength, balance, and coordination before concentrating on stealth and, finally, weapons. It's clear that that the training takes years, and the illustrations demonstrate how important determination is as well.

While this often takes on a story atmosphere, it snuggles up to what the daily life of a ninja might have looked like. The various skills come to life, especially in the illustrations. Exact details aren't given, but rather, it concentrates on the general process. At the end of the book, it's explained that there is little to no historical information surrounding these warriors, and much of what we know comes from stories, which were passed down. There are a few more detailed pieces of knowledge at the end of the book as well as a quick glossary.

This is an entertaining and grabbing way for ninja fans to learn a bit more about these warriors.

The Chase by Jenny Bloomfield

Ready. Set. Go! 

Where? I have no idea, but today's read is giving definite hustle vibes. This one sounded adorable, so I couldn't pass it up. A girl tosses a ball, and chaos ensues. I'm hoping that this one packs tons of excitement, humor, and clever situations. 

Get those shoes ready because we're going to run with this one!

THE CHASE

by Jenny Bloomfield

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Picture Book

34 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING FEBRUARY 3rd!!!

Are you ready?

Are you steady?

FETCH!

A girl on a beach throws a ball for one eager little dog. Suddenly one dog becomes two—three—TEN leaping, bounding doggies, hot on its trail! The chase is who will be the lucky pup to fetch the bright red prize?

The race leads them down the beach, through the city, into the museum; high up over the city balanced on an iron girder; through the park down the river, what’s that rumbling sound? Oh dear! But not even a thundering waterfall will stop these determined dogs from chasing down that ball…

An utter joy from beginning to end, this book combines the charm—and an adorable canine crew—of Hairy Maclary with the infectious rhythm and energy of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. 

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Quick-paced scenes make this an exciting read from beginning to end.

A girl is on the beach, playing with her dog. She tosses the ball, hoping it will chase after it, but what she doesn't expect is that some of the other dogs on the beach join the chase. These dogs are on a mission as the ball leads them through streets, hills, cities and more. With each scene change, the number of dogs multiplies until it's a chase like never seen before.

The surmise of this read is pretty straight forward, and that's what makes it so enjoyable. Readers/listeners will easily be able to guess what is coming from the cover, and the anticipation mounts as the little girl tosses the ball on the first pages. It's the fun of knowing everything will get out of control, which keeps readers in the pages. And the end...well, it holds the right note.

The text plays along with the illustrations and accompanies the moments, one after the other. It flows well and makes a nice read-aloud, although some phrases seemed a bit unnecessary, at times, since the illustrations say everything. The illustrations keep the emotions and fun high. The change of scenes with every flip of the page adds a little suspense, and of course, there are details here and there to delight listeners/readers. The artwork carries a more relaxed style without many definite lines, and this helps to create the needed, chaotic atmosphere, since a flurry of racing dogs wouldn't carry pristine exactness. There were moments, though, with darker color hues, which made the scenes a little harder to immediately take in. Still, they are well done and listeners will want to flip through and revisit each moment on their own.

It's a cute, easy story, which packs tons of fun.

And here she is...

Jenny Bloomfield lives in the north of England where she works from her studio at the bottom of the garden. Since September 2014 she has drawn something and posted it on instagram (@jennybloomfield) every single day. Despite drawing many many dogs she actually doesn’t own one—she has a cat!

I'm Going to Eat a Polar Bear by Karl Newson

With Christmas comes snow and winter dreams. Many of you will probably see a white Christmas; we're expecting 72 degrees and sunshine. My sleds are just waiting for a few flakes, but we're going to have to keep waiting. That's where today's read comes in. It heads into a realm of cold a visits a penguin's mission to eat a polar bear...which I'm betting won't happen. Instead, I'm expecting a little tension mixed with tons of silliness.

Grab those hats and gloves, and let's head to the land of ice for cold thoughts!

I'M GOING TO EAT A POLAR BEAR

by Karl Newson

Illustrated by Nicola Kinnear

Happy Yak

Picture Book

34 pages

ages 3 to 6

"I’m hungry! Fish are boring! I want something new. Something soft… and fluffy!"

Meet a little penguin who is super hungry but totally bored of eating fish. An older penguin recalls hearing of a fluffy creature called a ‘bolar pear’, so the little penguin sets off on an adventurous mission to find and eat this ‘mystery’ creature.

On arrival at the North Pole, the penguin can’t see a polar bear anywhere and eventually turns back home, hungry as ever. Little does penguin know that an equally hungry polar bear is following right behind...

This story will have readers gleefully shouting ‘it’s behind you!’ as this hilarious story unfolds. The reader can follow oblivious penguin on every step of its journey as it narrowly escapes being gobbled up by the polar bear.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Silliness reigns in this adorable book, which takes a penguin on a very long, long, long journey.

This little penguin is hungry. Not just fish hungry but polar bear hungry. The other penguins aren't sure what to think but point the way, reminding the little penguin that it's a long, long, long way, but this penguin is nothing if not determined. It journeys south, stopping along the way to see if the various animals are polar bears and where it needs to go. After all, the little penguin has never seen one...just heard about them. When the little penguin finally reaches the south pole, the story takes the most unexpected twist.

I'm so glad I picked this one up because it is just right to bring smiles. The penguin is cute and funny, and yet, so easy to root for even with its ridiculous quest. Readers/listeners follow it along its travels and can try to guess where the penguin is by the landscape and animals it meets along the way. But this book isn't really about geography or animal biology. Instead, it keeps silliness rolling along with a touch of chaos and over-the-top determination. The ending is well played by the author and rounds everything off in a lovely way, which will have readers/listeners saying 'again'.

The text is just long enough to bring the situations and dialogue across clearly, and it plays along between the illustrations to flow right with the rest of the tale. It makes a lovely read-aloud and works for those readers, who are sure of their words, to attack on their own. Even listeners can 'read' through it on their own, since they'll want to go through the illustrations again to discover details they might have missed. Plus, it will be fun to follow the penguin through its journey again.

It's a fun read and sure to be enjoyed by groups and in individual settings.

And here they are...

Karl Newson is a best-selling, multi-award-winning children's book author. Author of the award winning picture book I Am a Tiger, the best-selling I Really Really Need a Wee and The Same But Different Too, plus many more! His stories have been translated in 29 languages around the world. Karl grew up in Norwich, England, and was inspired to write his first story when his children were small… he’s been writing stories ever since. He now lives in London, UK, in a wonky old house full of pot plants and books.

Nicola Kinnear is an illustrator, storyteller, designer, and maker from Kent, UK. Nicola loves illustrating books for children and gravitates towards the magical and whimsical in her work, and is greatly inspired by nature and folklore.

The Ghost's Gambit by Stephanie Cotta

I'm excited to dive into today's review, since it's the last in one of the very rare series that I follow completely. So far, it's been a tightly woven tale with tons of action and character depth, too. I'm expecting that won't change in this lastest tale. 

So, off we go to this magical world and see where everything is headed!

THE GHOST'S GAMBIT

The Iron Kingdom Series, Book 3

by Stephanie Cotta

Monarch Educational Services, LLC

YA Fantasy

430 pages

After the raid on his garrison, the Enforcer is on the hunt-and he won't stop until the Wraiths hang from the gallows. Rowan, Tahira, and Akaran are caught in the Enforcer's merciless pursuit and forced to flee across the wilderness in their struggle to stay one step ahead of this cutthroat soldier.

As new leaders of an underground rebellion, Rowan and Tahira fight to keep the resistance alive. Yet the cost of staying hidden grows heavier as the Enforcer and his soldiers terrorize Arjun. The body count rises, and the guilt sharpens with each brutal execution. But when the Enforcer threatens the very home they've sworn to protect, Rowan and Tahira must confront a painful truth-they may not have the power to stop him.

Meanwhile, Akaran and Marah stake their lives on a dangerous mission to undermine the Enforcer's iron grip on their homeland. In their quest, they stumble upon a dark secret that could change everything, but only if they escape the enemy's snare alive.

As tensions among the Wraiths mount, and with the weight of an oppressed kingdom on their shoulders, Rowan, Tahira, and Akaran will have to decide what they're willing to sacrifice for their people-and for each other.

The Ghost's Gambit is a gripping, pulse-pounding tale of rebellion, loyalty, and the high cost of defying a brutal empire.

AMAZON    /    GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

The Wraiths are back, and nothing is going to stop them from holding to what they know is right.

This is the third installment in the series, and it packs a punch. While the plot has been mounting from one book to the next, this one not only steps up but seems to make the growth even richer. The very first page already dives straight into tension, action, and emotions pure as the Enforcer wraps up a bloody attack and lets his callous attitude hit with full force. The Wraiths slide right in with the atmosphere that always accompanies their constant struggle: a bit of win but not without a toll.  And this sets the stage wonderfully for the rest of the read.

The author has woven a very intricate world with tons of depth. While the Enforcer is easy to dislike and cruel, the reader gets a little insight, this time, into some of his reasoning...which simply makes the story that much better. We have Tahira shining more and more as she continues to refine her skills but manages to keep the same touching qualities which make her so enjoyable to root for. Her relationship with Rowan also isn't forgotten to add a touch of romance without overpowering the main theme as their connection deepens. But then, the battle against the Enforcer is never to be taken lightly, which keeps everyone on their toes. The side characters have also earned their places in the spotlight and continue to round off the group with grit, heart, and necessary edge. 

The pacing, as in the other books, remains high the entire way through as the Enforcer's actions grow more and more deadly and threatening. There are moments to cheer and painful ones to cut the heart. All along the world never looses richness and keeps the reader in the pages. It's definitely a series fantasy fans will want to take a peek at.

Maggie's Magic T-Shirt by Teri Farrari!

oday's read looked adorable and promises a little magic and kid goodness. I believe it is one that also helps out beginning readers, too.

So, let's just take a look and find out more!

MAGGIE'S MAGIC T-SHIFT

The Magic Begins

by Teri Farrari

34 pages

ages 4 to 8

Maggie has no idea that her new flowery pink t-shirt is a Magic T-Shirt. But when she starts dropping and dribbling things all over it, the Magic T-Shirt begins to play tricks. Join Maggie and her friends to discover what happens when the Magic T-Shirt starts to grow and grow and grow……How big will the T-Shirt grow? What will Maggie do when her Magic T-Shirt grows as big as a tent? Follow Maggie as she discovers just how magical and mischievous her t-shirt can be. Maggie’s Magic T-Shirt, The Magic Begins, is the first in a series of enchanting story books about a little girl called Maggie and her Magic T-Shirt.

Created by early years educationalist, Teri Farrari, The Magic Begins is the perfect book for pre-school and kindergarten age children, who enjoy funny, magical stories. The captivating color illustrations, plus a lively arrangement of text, enables children to have fun learning new words and repeating words as the story is read out to them. Maggie's Magic T-Shirt, The Magic Begins, nurtures an enthusiasm for books in young children and helps facilitate early reading development.

Teri Farrari is an acknowledged authority on the development of early learning skills. She has featured regularly on television, radio and in other national and international media, including Parents Magazine.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With a very relatable situation, this tale adds a touch of magic to create an easy-to-enjoy adventure.

Maggie loves pink. When her grandmother gives her a T-shirt with pink flowers, she's super excited and swears never to take it off again. Maggie wears it everywhere and every day. Unfortunately, Maggie isn't a clean girl and the shirt grows increasingly dirty. To make matters more interesting, the T-shirt happens to be a little magical and grows every time something is spilled on it. 

This is a simple, yet oh-so fun adventure. Maggie is a normal, cheerful girl, and her love for her favorite t-shirt is more than understandable. Readers will have no trouble sympathizing with her as they remember their own favorite items. They'll also understand the problem as the shirt grows messier and messier and wonder why it isn't getting a wash. Still, this book doesn't roll into bad hygiene or disgusting. Rather, things flip-flop as the shirt begins to grow and grow. It begs the question of what will happen next, since Maggie doesn't want to remove the shirt, either. So, it packs a little tension in all the right ways to keep those pages turning. The ending is well-rounded with a bit of unpredictability and fun before sliding in the last bit of message.

Everything about this book embraces a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The illustrations head in the direction of younger drawings to slide in the same familiar atmosphere that Maggie's love for the t-shirt does. Yet, the illustrations are well done and bring across each scene nicely. The text is just right for beginning readers and packs enough excitement to keep them in the story, since it isn't clear what will happen next. The words aren't over-whelming and, still, practice reading skills. At the end of the book, there's a quick question-answer section for reading comprehension. This also makes a lovely read-aloud, and it wouldn't surprise me if this one got the word 'again'.

And here she is...

I’m passionate about creating early learning materials and books that make a difference in children’s lives.
My innovating early learning schools, initially set up for my own daughter, have been featured on national, international television and radio stations, such as BBC News, Sky Television and Channel 9 (Australia), and in many publications like The Sunday Time, The Observer, Daily Mail and Parents Magazine. I’ve dedicated my career to helping children learn in ways that excite and inspire them, and I’m excited to share my knowledge of early learning with you and your family.
As a developmental psychologist, natural health practitioner and author, I’ve spent years understanding how the enrichment of early learning can significantly nurture children’s confidence, creativity, and resilience – some of the vital attributes that children need to achieve a happy and successful life in our rapidly changing and uncertain world. 
Learning should be fun, inspirational, and meaningful.  Let me help you to help your child become inspired and engaged with a wealth of joyous learning experiences.

Find more!

You can find more about her works, worksheets, and such... https://terifarrari.com/collections/all