North Pole Ninjas--MISSION--Christmas!

September 26, 2016
Poet Gregson (All the Words Are Yours) and newcomer Linden encourage children to perform holiday acts of kindness in this book-and-plush package. The plush figure is of Santa’s wise sensei, whose North Pole Ninjas “use their Christmas spirit/ to care for others’ needs.” Thibodeau (Goblin Hood) contributes warmly lit, cinematic scenes of the ninja elves at work that give the book the feel of a holiday TV special. The rhymes can get a bit convoluted or vague (“Stay hidden and stay quiet/ when shoveling that snow./ Secretly you’ll save Christmas/ no footprints where you go”), but the more than 40 “missions” to be completed should keep children busy doing good deeds throughout the holidays. All ages.

In this story, some of Santa's elves are actually tiny ninjas, working undercover to assist Santa and making the world a better place through "random acts of kindness."The North Pole Ninjas wear red and green uniforms and follow their own sensei, the "teacher of the secrets." These little ninjas also go out into the world to do good deeds as examples of the Christmas spirit. After this setup, the story veers off to reveal that the ninjas need help, so with Santa's permission, any boy or girl can also be a North Pole Ninja and serve others through good deeds. The text addresses readers with suggested good deeds, including shoveling snow and giving away stacks of food from your refrigerator as well as clothing and toys from your closet. This becomes confusing, especially with a list of children's names who are chosen by Santa to become ninjas and the implication that the sensei and ninja elves will pop up to advise readers. The illustrations use a dark, mysterious palette with the effect of glowing light at the North Pole and in the living room of a family of three children who become North Pole Ninjas. These children are light-skinned, and both older children wear glasses. The ninja elves are cute little light-skinned creatures, popping up here and there, often upside down or sideways. The sensei (which comes with the book in the form of a soft toy) has the look of a bearded, pink-skinned Yoda, and Santa is white. An intriguing concept that tries to cover too many bases. (Picture book. 4-7) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-Everyone knows that Santa has elves helping with the Christmas magic. But what might not be known (because it's hush hush) is that the North Pole Ninjas secretly do good deeds. And the children who read this book are instantly deputized to become ninja Christmas helpers "to care for others' needs." Sweep snowy stairs. Donate unwanted toys and clothes, as well as "treats you love to eat. Donate sardines, soups, and beans." VERDICT The garish cartoon illustrations and the ninja focus lead the unsuspecting to anticipate some sort of Christmas adventure...but no, it's just a heavy-handed message with messy meter and awkward rhymes.-Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.