Ninja Cowboy Bear Presents the Way of the Ninja

July 15, 2010

Ninja! Cowboy! Bear! Three great friends who have a great time together. Usually their time together leads to "merrymaking, buffoonery and hilarity." But Ninja's more of a daredevil than the others. When Cowboy suggests painting, Ninja would rather "shoot for the stars" by jumping on the bed. Cowboy bonks his noggin; no fun there! Ninja moves on to Bear, who suggests they pick flowers. Ninja would rather have a "fun flying experience" climbing the trees; Bear falls and gets a beehive stuck on his head; no fun for Bear! Ninja decides to play at derring-do alone...but soon discovers something's missing--namely, his best friends. Thank goodness they still want to play! Canadian computer programmer Bruins and equally Canadian graphic artist Leung collaborate on a fine sequel starring these unconventional buddies. The digitally created illustrations are one part Power Puff Girls and one part Eric Carle. The simple message of the plusses of cooperative play will be embraced by audiences who are likely still playing the hand game featured in the first adventure. (Picture book. 4-7)

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February 1, 2011

PreS-Gr 2-This book, which revisits the characters introduced in The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear (Kids Can, 2009), focuses on one friend who loves "thrills and adventure." The cowboy prefers to paint and the bear wants to pick flowers, but the ninja convinces them to jump on beds and climb trees. Predictably, this leads to injuries for everyone except the ninja, and he is left to play alone. He soon realizes that even hyperkinetic activity is no fun without the company of friends, and a happy ending ensues. Bruins sometimes uses vocabulary that's out of sync with young children, for example: "When they got together it usually led to merrymaking, buffoonery, and hilarity"; "The ninja thought the bear was overreacting." The story is message-driven and prosaically told, and the characters have traits rather than personalities. Leung's computer-art illustrations are reminiscent of video games and anime, and they are sure to appeal to young videophiles. An additional purchase where books on the meaning of friendship are needed.-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

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