Nature's Ninja

August 1, 2019
"To find these animal ninja...you must know where to look." That sentence ends a two-page introduction that gives a simple history and definition of human practitioners of ninjutsu ("the art of the ninja") and invites readers to learn about animals that exhibit similar, extraordinary "skills." The pages that follow offer fascinating facts, appealing design, and eye-catching illustrations. Symbolic art that mimics universal directional signs is used to show nine different ninja skills of more than nine different animals. Bright ink over a dark background lists each skill in romanized Japanese, with a clear definition beneath it. Colorful, high-resolution photography captures such sights as the boiling-hot spray issuing from the bombardier beetle while equally colorful drawings are used to further illustrate the physical capabilities of geckos and collector urchins. (Readers might have an inkling about the fine hairs that allow geckos to stick to surfaces and perform remarkable releases, but who knew that the collector urchin, when threatened, sends out tiny triangular protuberances with their own sets of snapping jaws?!) The text, which is accessible without condescension, also includes information about methods for studying and documenting the animals' amazing characteristics and the names of scientists and institutions associated with the studies. More than once, the text encourages emerging scientists by noting that this research is current and ongoing--and that the more scientists learn, the more there is to learn. Arigatou gozaimasu for entertaining enlightenment! (Nonfiction. 9-14)

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October 1, 2019

Gr 4-9-Animals are compared to Japan's medieval ninja warriors in this picture book for older readers. Nine chapters follow an introduction offering background information on the practiced arts of the ninja. Each chapter features an animal with natural abilities closely aligned to a particular ninja skill and begins with the skill highlighted in a stylized text box-"CHOHO: Spying-infiltrating an enemy's camp or society without being discovered." Rove beetles have the natural ability of a choho master. Amazingly, they look, smell, and even behave like army ants, living among the well-known predators. They've even been seen eating army ant larvae! Geckos and sailfish are among the other featured creatures. In addition to a description of the animal's ninja-like skill, there is a section on each creature titled "The Science Behind the Story." Photographs and scientific graphics illustrate each comparison. Back matter is comprehensive and includes a glossary, index, and "Meet the Scientists." VERDICT Both the premise and execution of this title are intriguing. Steer older students toward this book; they will not be disappointed.-Lisa Taylor, Florida State College, Jacksonville

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2019
Grades 4-6 It may seem unusual for a nature book to begin with a section on ninjitsu, the art of the ninja, but it soon becomes clear that there are parallels between those martial arts and many impressive animal attributes, as Johnson makes the case that stealth, weaponry, clever disguises, and a host of other ninja tools are equally useful in the animal kingdom. Each section begins with a specific ninja attribute and expands on comparable qualities possessed by different animals. For example, ken-jitsu, the art of swordsmanship, is related to the sailfish's use of its sword-like bill. The comparisons are remarkably apt, expressed through exciting stories and equally interesting science. Along with the compelling text, striking photos and detailed illustrations infuse a sense of wonder into the proceedings. Comprehensive back matter includes a glossary, an introduction to the scientists behind the studies, source notes, and even video suggestions in case a reader wants to watch the awesome feats in action. A wonderfully fresh look at the amazing animal world around us.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)