Dojo Daytrip

June 15, 2015
Six tiny ninjas take a field trip to a farm. The tykes with a penchant for roundhouse kicks (isn't that all children?) from Dojo Daycare (2014) are back. This time, they have hopped on a bus with Master to visit a farm. The trip starts off well, but suddenly Master slips on a banana peel-"YIKES! YEE-OW!"-and lands straight in the pig's trough. The tiny ninjas scamper off, forgetting their creed: "Always help someone in need." Poor Master next faces an angry bull, then a spooked horse, which drags him through the mud. After a desperate plea to "SAVE ME, NINJAS!" the ninjas are finally reminded of their duty to help. "With their Master safe and sound, / The little ninjas zip around. / They feed the sow, they milk the cow, / And give the field a ninja plow" (with one quick chop-using their hands and feet, of course). All seems calm until the ride home. But one particular animal from the farm stows away on the bus (a hint is in the rearview mirror) and causes the mayhem to start again: "YIKES! YEE-OW!" These black-masked little ones may not have mastered the art of stealth, but they do have a lot of heart. A sound value taught in an engaging format amid many ninja kicks and chops. (Picture book. 3-6)

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August 1, 2015

PreS-The little ninjas introduced in Dojo Daycare (Owlkids, 2014) are back, but this time they are taking a field trip to the farm. As their Master has disaster after disaster, his students forget their creed: "Always help someone in need." Eventually the tots come together to help the Master, do all the farm chores, and even paint a barn. The rhyming text rolls along easily as the illustrations keep the excitement going with many chuckle-worthy details. VERDICT The popular setting, likable characters, and ample opportunities for audience participation make this a good choice for group or one-on-one reading.-Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

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