  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 10/01/2015 PreS-Gr 2—Born a ninja, Nina exerts her power from the start by karate chopping the doctor. Soft but detailed pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations play up the tongue-in-cheek text on every page, as independent Nina takes control of each situation: "At bedtime, she climbed her crib walls like smoke and vanished. And changing time was hand-to-hand combat. Nina did not like to be helped." This charming setup serves to launch readers and listeners ruthlessly into the story's real drama—Nina gets a sibling. He is a "Kung Fu Master," and here she meets her match. Where Nina has fought for independence, she observes that he seems to be fighting for everyone's attention and winning it. Lonely and very frustrated, she decides to approach the interloper directly, and ultimately the ninja and the Kung Fu Master join forces. One might worry for the parents of such a duo, but in an amusing twist, the last spread alleviates any concern. Clean design with ample white space to showcase the pictures' funny details pairs well with the punchy text, making a nice package for sharing aloud. VERDICT This spirited and stealthy new sibling story is one in which young readers can enjoy the exaggerated premise while their grown-ups can possibly glean some comfort.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 11/01/2015 What does it mean when a baby karate chops the doctor delivering her? Looks like these parents have a ninja baby on their hands. Humorous vignettes show the couple’s attempts to navigate their little girl’s exercises in stealth (secret snacks!), escape (no crib can hold her), and hand-to-hand combat (behold, the diaper-changing challenge). Her skills are put to the test, however, when her parents come home with a “kung fu master,” aka a baby brother. Though she has always been an independent child, Nina is struck by a new feeling of loneliness as her parents dote on the new baby. After a small tantrum, the ninja learns a few of the master’s tricks, and soon he is picking up ninja tips from big sister, and they form a formidable duo. Goode’s pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations have a cartoon quality that fits the silliness of the story, though sensitive parents may object to the throwing-star mobile above the crib, or Nina hiding underwater during bath time (though she is using a snorkel). An over-the-top take on getting a new sibling. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
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