Ninja Cowboy Bear Presents the Call of the Cowboy

April 15, 2011

Three good friends (who have been optioned for an animated series) experience friction but work it all out.

"The cowboy was a good friend to the ninja and the bear. / He was kind. / He was caring. / He was fun. / He was funny. / But sometimes he could cause a ruckus." When he goes bird-watching with the bear, the pop of his gum and his boingy pogo stick scare away the birds. The cowboy doesn't understand why the bear gives up and leaves. Later, when he pairs up with the ninja to read, the cowboy drums on a rock, plays hacky-sack and chats on his cell. The cowboy doesn't understand why the ninja gives up on reading. As the cowboy walks through the noisy countryside trying to puzzle things out, he finally gets it. When the three reunite, they each share their hobbies and have a loud old time. Canadians Bruins and Leung return with their exuberant trio of three individuals who sometimes have to put in some effort to make their friendship work. The mix of full-bleed, spot and panel computer-generated illustrations again gives the simple tale visual pizzazz, and the cartoon characters virtually leap off the page.

So far, the ninja and the cowboy have received time in the spotlight; fans will be anticipating the bear's entry, which is sure to follow. (Picture book. 2-6)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

December 1, 2011

PreS-This story continues the series about the friendship of the bear, the ninja, and the cowboy. The cowboy is funny, caring, and kind, but he likes to make a lot of noise. Then one day his loudness comes between him and his friends. The bear is trying to photograph birds, but the cowboy's antics drive them away. The ninja is trying to read, but the cowboy's presence interferes with his concentration. The cowboy is confused by his friends' actions until he comes to a quiet place and realizes that his inability to be silent is the problem. After a while, the bear and the ninja return to find the cowboy singing softly. The bear shares his photographs and the ninja shares his story, causing them to howl with laughter. Finally, they all sing and make a wonderful racket. The friends discover they can enjoy some activities alone while some can be shared. Colorful, humorous cartoons illustrate the text. An additional purchase where titles on friendship and consideration are needed.-Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.