Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Picture Book FNG review: Jack B. Ninja by Tim McCanna

Picture Book Month Day 8:


Jack B. Ninja by Tim McCanna. Illustrated by Stephen Savage. unpgd. Orchard Books/ Scholastic Inc., June 28, 2018. 9780545917285. (Review from fng courtesy of publisher.)

This fng was in our goody bag from Bookfest@bankstreet. The first time I read through this jaunty play on the nursery rhyme, Jack be nimble, I didn't think the premise worked all that well despite the great illustrations. Then, I read it aloud to some students and grew to appreciate it so much more. Plus, the kids were tickled. This experience was a friendly reminder to myself to reread picture books a few times before reviewing. And, to try to grab a kid audience for one of the re-readings.

Jack is a ninja-in-training off on his first mission, but he falls into a trap and must escape some bad guys. The digitally rendered, vivid, graphic art is signature Savage - inviting and appealing, with a palette of mostly dusky blues and greens.

This would be a fun read aloud on its own or a great addition to a "fractured" nursery rhyme/ fairy tale unit. The rhyme scheme invites prediction, especially on the last page. 

By the way, Jack does eventually jump over a candlestick, or two.

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