Ninja Camp Book Review

Book Review
Ninja Camp
Written by Sue Fliess
Illustrated by Jen Taylor
Published January 8, 2019

Why we chose this book:
T is super into ninjas right now, and the description of Ninja Camp sounded like something I'd be happy to read to him. Running Press Kids provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Mom's Review

Ninja Camp is pretty much what the title tells you. A group of children is welcomed to ninja camp. They learn stealth, speed, and discipline. They compete with the neighboring camp in a capture-the-flag style game, but with a katana sword instead of a flag. At the end, they demonstrate their new skills and keep the sword in their camp. It doesn't sound like much, but it really is.

Ninja Camp is written in perfectly paced, well-crafted rhymes. I like a good rhyming narrative, such as the Llama Llama stories or Little Blue Truck, and this one hits the mark. The children's faces show varying degrees of confidence at the start (as well as varying shades of skin). They progress through the lessons at camp, with varying levels of competence, until engaging in a friendly competition with a rival camp from across the lake. The ninja kids from each camp try out their new skills against one another without hurting anyone. The focus here is on agility, skill, and self-control. Finally, once our "Ninjas of the Night" regain the Shadow Blade (the ersatz flag), but not on the first attempt, all children cheer and celebrate their newfound skills and confidence. The positive messaging prevails throughout this ninja-centric picture book.

Ninjas, self-confidence, self-control, and fun. What could be better for a ninja-loving kid like T?

Son's Review
(Age: 4)
Mom: Do you have a favorite part? How did Ninja Camp make you feel?

Son: No. I just really like it! Happy. Because happy happy happy!
(This is the current line of logic flowing through our house.)

Mom: Can you make a connection to any other books?

Son: Oh. Well, we have not read LEGO ninja books 'cuz you do not like it, but we have read one Ninjago book with you.
(Way to call me out on refusing to read you stuff, kiddo.)

Mom: I like almost singing this book, do you like that? Do you like to sing?

Son: Yes...Yes, but my own pretend, fake songs.

Mom: Can you make a connection to anything you do now?

Son, with a huge grin: Tae Kwon Do! I wonder what the name of their ninja school is.

T loves matching his guys to book characters.

Mom: That's a good question. Would you want to go to ninja camp?

Son: Yeah. I would want to play capture the sword game.

Mom: What is a good time to read Ninja Camp?

Son: In summer because it's outside.

Mom: Who would like it?

Son: Cousin G because he's into ninja stuff!

Mom: And what is the most important thing to know about this book?

Son: That it like it!

Son: Share this review with Cousin G!