What do you think?
Rate this book
[ Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Nap[ WINK: THE NINJA WHO WANTED TO NAP ] By Phillipps, J. C. ( Author )Mar-03-2011 Hardcover
The happiest day of Wink’s life was when he was accepted to the Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas. He is sure that he will be a great ninja. Silence is the fi rst lesson and everyone is very very silent . . . except for Wink. Stealth is the second lesson and everyone is very very stealthy . . . except for Wink. Finally, Wink decides that he will be silent and stealthy. But no one notices! What’s the point of being a great ninja if no one notices? Maybe Wink wasn’t meant to be a ninja? This daring debut is an adventure-lover’s dream.
Hardcover
First published March 19, 2009
3 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Phillipps
10 books28 followersJulie (J. C.) Phillipps is a born and raised Ohio girl who lives in New England. If you have a very good ear, you can still catch a little Midwestern accent. Although she has learned to say "soda" instead of "pop" and "sneakers" instead of "tennis shoes," she still thinks of the tiny candy on top of cupcakes as "sprinkles." "Jimmies" is just weird.
Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted To Be Noticed was Julie's first picture book, released March 2009. Since then she has written and illustrated three more picture books: Wink the Ninja Who Wanted to Nap, Monkey Ono, and The Simples Love a Picnic.
Julie jumped genres and is now working on making graphic novels. Her first middle grade graphic novel, Pacey Packer Unicorn Tracker, comes out August 2020 with Random House Graphics.
To learn more, visit her webpage: www.jcphillipps.com or follow her on Instagram @JCPhillipps.
J.C. Phillipps's books on Goodreads
Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted To Be Noticed was Julie's first picture book, released March 2009. Since then she has written and illustrated three more picture books: Wink the Ninja Who Wanted to Nap, Monkey Ono, and The Simples Love a Picnic.
Julie jumped genres and is now working on making graphic novels. Her first middle grade graphic novel, Pacey Packer Unicorn Tracker, comes out August 2020 with Random House Graphics.
To learn more, visit her webpage: www.jcphillipps.com or follow her on Instagram @JCPhillipps.
J.C. Phillipps's books on Goodreads
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
September 27, 2012
As an infant who has experience less time outside the womb than inside, I always assume that adults (and these books of theirs) are more knowledgable about the world than I. J.C. Phillips causes me to doubt that fundamental premise.
Phillips learned karate in high school and has a masters in theater education. Drawing upon those experiences and some haphazardly accrued information about East Asian cultures, she has crafted a culturally clumsy, albeit artfully illustrated, story of a ninja who wanted to be noticed. My Japanese family members call me Mo-chan, a term of endearment for a little one (after all, I am only about 1/5 of my mom's weight), and drink barley tea (mu-gi-cha) all the time so it was pleasant to see those touches of Japanese culture in Wink's tale. The book takes a curious turn when Wink battles a panda (native to China) and hangs out with a Chinese circus (evidenced by the cheongsams, Chinese traditional dress, worn by the circus members)... wait -- is Wink in China? Why is he being trained as a ninja (Japanese form of covert warfare) in China? Or is it that he went to a zoo that had a panda on loan from China as a gesture of diplomacy? Is there a Chinese circus traveling through town?
These questions simply illustrate annoying inconsistencies in a book that attempts to create a Western-values hero in an East Asian context. In an American culture where "the squeaky wheel gets the grease," a ninja-in-training who wants to be noticed makes for a great underdog hero. However, to the Japanese sensibility where "the nail that sticks up is hammered down," Wink's behaviors would be maladaptive for success in an East Asian society. J.C. Phillips in creating a protagonist that seems unteachable, an undesirable trait in any culture, either because she has an underlying contempt for East Asian values or is too confused to write a coherent children's book.
Phillips learned karate in high school and has a masters in theater education. Drawing upon those experiences and some haphazardly accrued information about East Asian cultures, she has crafted a culturally clumsy, albeit artfully illustrated, story of a ninja who wanted to be noticed. My Japanese family members call me Mo-chan, a term of endearment for a little one (after all, I am only about 1/5 of my mom's weight), and drink barley tea (mu-gi-cha) all the time so it was pleasant to see those touches of Japanese culture in Wink's tale. The book takes a curious turn when Wink battles a panda (native to China) and hangs out with a Chinese circus (evidenced by the cheongsams, Chinese traditional dress, worn by the circus members)... wait -- is Wink in China? Why is he being trained as a ninja (Japanese form of covert warfare) in China? Or is it that he went to a zoo that had a panda on loan from China as a gesture of diplomacy? Is there a Chinese circus traveling through town?
These questions simply illustrate annoying inconsistencies in a book that attempts to create a Western-values hero in an East Asian context. In an American culture where "the squeaky wheel gets the grease," a ninja-in-training who wants to be noticed makes for a great underdog hero. However, to the Japanese sensibility where "the nail that sticks up is hammered down," Wink's behaviors would be maladaptive for success in an East Asian society. J.C. Phillips in creating a protagonist that seems unteachable, an undesirable trait in any culture, either because she has an underlying contempt for East Asian values or is too confused to write a coherent children's book.
July 9, 2024
I felt seen by this book. I loved the little ninja's inner conflict when he realized the better he was at being stealthy, the less likely it was that anyone would know how good he was at being stealthy. His colourful ninja outfits were also pretty amazing.
July 28, 2009
When I started reading this, I rolled my eyes. It seemed, for lack of a better word, cheesy. But I warmed up to Wink and his plight and cheered for the ending. The story is a fun look at the fact that we should celebrate our own natures and talents rather than trying to be something we are not.
June 18, 2011
I'm torn about this book. On one hand, it's perfectly normal for kids to desire attention, and in most cases, to demand it. But this book encourages kids to demand attention, and that gets old really quick. Finding an outlet is one thing, but the child could also be told that he is not the center of the universe 24/7.
May 15, 2009
Wink is really super excited when he gets accepted to ninja school. But it turns out that he’s really not cut out to be a ninja, and every day Master Zutsu – his instructor – sends him home for doing something wrong – he’s too loud, too visible. Wink doesn’t get how anyone will ever know he’s a great ninja if they don’t notice him. Then, Wink meets a family of circus performers and shows them his ninja moves. They’re so impressed they add him to their act and Wink is able to perform for Master Zutsu and his grandmother, who are pleased that Wink has finally found his calling.
J.C. Phillips uses Asian prints and papers to illustrate this amusing tale. Textured papers are used for furnishings, flooring, and windows, and bright origami papers make beautiful robes. Wink makes a particularly flamboyant (pink with cherry blossoms) ninja costume out of his grandmother’s curtains – “Wink said nothing and stared at the curtains. Those are nice and bright, he thought.” This tale should delight young boisterous ninja enthusiasts with its Zen-like prose, humor, and colorful illustrations.
J.C. Phillips uses Asian prints and papers to illustrate this amusing tale. Textured papers are used for furnishings, flooring, and windows, and bright origami papers make beautiful robes. Wink makes a particularly flamboyant (pink with cherry blossoms) ninja costume out of his grandmother’s curtains – “Wink said nothing and stared at the curtains. Those are nice and bright, he thought.” This tale should delight young boisterous ninja enthusiasts with its Zen-like prose, humor, and colorful illustrations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2012
Ah, Wink. This is currently one of my son's very favorite books, and we've been reading it four days a week for many weeks now. In all, it's a simple story. Boy wants to be a ninja, and possesses the talents to e one. However, he can't be stealthy. He loves to perform. However, when his talents are discovered by a visiting circus, Wink finds a place where he truly belongs--performing ninjitsu for a crowd wearing a glittering outfit.
Some people will probably say this book encourages kids to misbehave. That's not the point. The moral of the story is that if you keep on trying, you'll find a place where you can be yourself. It's not the end of the world if you don't belong somewhere.
The illustrations are charming as well, all done in paper and filled with emotion. This is a book I don't mind reading to my son again and again.
Some people will probably say this book encourages kids to misbehave. That's not the point. The moral of the story is that if you keep on trying, you'll find a place where you can be yourself. It's not the end of the world if you don't belong somewhere.
The illustrations are charming as well, all done in paper and filled with emotion. This is a book I don't mind reading to my son again and again.
September 28, 2012
This looked like a cute book on the shelf. That's why I chose to read it to my second-grade tutoring students while the laptops booted up yesterday morning. The illustrations were fun and colorful, but the story itself, about a young ninja who wants nothing more than to nap, fell flat. My students tuned out halfway through, which has never happened to me, with a book or with students, before. Very disappointing.
March 3, 2012
After reading my k-2 kids learned some Ninja moves with this silly song and dance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAl3f1...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAl3f1...
December 29, 2019
I'm between 2-3 stars on this one, but I enjoyed the illustrations enough to round up.
So what were my problems with it? Well, to start, it's Asian-ish. Some details are great cultural touches to bring in, but others are a mish-mash of Japanese (like the ninjas) and Chinese (pandas). Yes, I know, fantasy children's picture book and all, but still. I guess I have the same sort of discomfort with cavemen and dinosaurs in picture books too. It was just a little bit of a wasted opportunity - when it could have included details to make it more a cultural heritage-type setting, instead of a vague awareness of an entire continent.
My bigger problem was more with the message. Yes, it's a great idea about everyone finding their place, but at the same time, the pushy "look at me" attitude and the disregard for what the instructions are didn't set well with me. Of course we want children to think for themselves, but we also want them to listen to instructions so that they stay safe and grow (unlike, say, wandering off to battle pandas in treetops).
I did like the illustrations, though - quite a lot, in fact. The paper art gave the illustrations a lovely texture, and Wink always seemed so lively.
I might use this for a storytime. The illustrations are lively and clear, so good for a larger audience. Could use it for a heritage storytime (though, like I complained, only "Asian-ish") or for a storytime on circuses or trying new things.
So what were my problems with it? Well, to start, it's Asian-ish. Some details are great cultural touches to bring in, but others are a mish-mash of Japanese (like the ninjas) and Chinese (pandas). Yes, I know, fantasy children's picture book and all, but still. I guess I have the same sort of discomfort with cavemen and dinosaurs in picture books too. It was just a little bit of a wasted opportunity - when it could have included details to make it more a cultural heritage-type setting, instead of a vague awareness of an entire continent.
My bigger problem was more with the message. Yes, it's a great idea about everyone finding their place, but at the same time, the pushy "look at me" attitude and the disregard for what the instructions are didn't set well with me. Of course we want children to think for themselves, but we also want them to listen to instructions so that they stay safe and grow (unlike, say, wandering off to battle pandas in treetops).
I did like the illustrations, though - quite a lot, in fact. The paper art gave the illustrations a lovely texture, and Wink always seemed so lively.
I might use this for a storytime. The illustrations are lively and clear, so good for a larger audience. Could use it for a heritage storytime (though, like I complained, only "Asian-ish") or for a storytime on circuses or trying new things.
June 10, 2019
Wink wanted to be a ninja, but ninjas are silent and stealthy. Wink realized he wouldn't be noticed if he were silent and stealthy because no one would know he's there - and Wink wanted to be noticed. Master Zutsu did not approve of his loud enthusiasm, but through meeting a boy who was practicing balancing, Wink discovered what his true talent really was.
Great illustrations.
Great illustrations.
March 14, 2024
Wink is a ninja who wanted the world to see his skills. But, he especially wanted his teacher to see him and be proud of him. He was trying too hard to be noticed. This book took a nice turn that would make readers smile. I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to be read to Kindergartners through 1st graders and read by 2nd through 4th graders.
July 4, 2019
I think this is a great book for kids and adults! Many of my grade 4 and 5 students enjoyed it during our picture book unit! Showing children that they can find a way to be who they are is always in style!
August 5, 2022
I didn't love this one. I can see why others like it but it just wasn't for me. It was kind of long and a bit text heavy. Plus, as other reviewers have mentioned, it was a bit of a mix mash of east Asian cultures.
September 27, 2018
Wink the Ninja doesn't fit in with the other ninja's. He stands out? Can he find his place? Cute. Preschool and up for length
November 18, 2018
Fun book about a boy who just couldn't stay in step with the other ninjas
May 20, 2019
A cute story about finding your place. My daughter and I both enjoyed this one.
May 30, 2020
Kids love this book!
January 31, 2023
Wink is a ninja who just wants to be himself.
February 10, 2022
I remember really liking this fun book, but when I picked it up again recently, I was confused as to why a ninja seems to be in China (apparently I didn't pay much attention the first time around, and neither did the author). J.C. Phillipps hasn't bothered to distinguish between east Asian cultures, which is lazy at best.
March 21, 2017
Ninjas are supposed to be invisible, right? Well, THIS ninja wants to be NOTICED and with a little help finds a more suitable vocation.
July 17, 2013
In her sequel to the book 'Wink The Ninja Who Wanted To Be Noticed', J.C. Phillipps delivers an amusing tale of the "Nimble Ninja", Wink. In the preceding story, Wink was yearning to be noticed but now he realizes he is feeling fatigued and in need of a good nap.
Wink is known as the Nimble Ninja who is the star of the Lucky Dragon Circus. He travels throughout Japan performing flips, kicks and tumbling acts. With his loyal Grandmother accompanying him, she tells him it is time to, "Stroll along the path of dreams."
The problem that occurs with Wink is that he is constantly being interrupted by his loyal fans while he is trying to snooze. While he appreciates his fan base, he is in great need of rest. He tries to nap in various locations but cannot escape his young admirers.
Distressed, Wink goes to his former school, the Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas and seeks advice from his wise sensei, Master Zutsu. With a reply of , "One zebra alone is easily seen. A herd creates confusion", Wink concludes that he needs to have his other ninja friends run around in their ninja uniforms to fool his adoring fans while he takes a much needed nap.
The most amazing part of this book is the authors collage illustrations that burst with energy! Phillipps uses various materials such as newsprint and oragami paper and artfully glues them together to creat her realistic Japanese scenes.
This book is geared towards ages 3 and up. Preschool children may need some assistance in understanding Master Zutsu's advice. Reading this book to children will provide a great lesson in utilizing problem solving skills and stressing the importance of taking a nap. An art tie-in would be to have the learner make their own collage scene using multiple craft materials.
Martial artists everywhere will be able to relate to the ninjas unique approach to solving life's little challenges.
Suggested book: Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Be Noticed
Wink is known as the Nimble Ninja who is the star of the Lucky Dragon Circus. He travels throughout Japan performing flips, kicks and tumbling acts. With his loyal Grandmother accompanying him, she tells him it is time to, "Stroll along the path of dreams."
The problem that occurs with Wink is that he is constantly being interrupted by his loyal fans while he is trying to snooze. While he appreciates his fan base, he is in great need of rest. He tries to nap in various locations but cannot escape his young admirers.
Distressed, Wink goes to his former school, the Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas and seeks advice from his wise sensei, Master Zutsu. With a reply of , "One zebra alone is easily seen. A herd creates confusion", Wink concludes that he needs to have his other ninja friends run around in their ninja uniforms to fool his adoring fans while he takes a much needed nap.
The most amazing part of this book is the authors collage illustrations that burst with energy! Phillipps uses various materials such as newsprint and oragami paper and artfully glues them together to creat her realistic Japanese scenes.
This book is geared towards ages 3 and up. Preschool children may need some assistance in understanding Master Zutsu's advice. Reading this book to children will provide a great lesson in utilizing problem solving skills and stressing the importance of taking a nap. An art tie-in would be to have the learner make their own collage scene using multiple craft materials.
Martial artists everywhere will be able to relate to the ninjas unique approach to solving life's little challenges.
Suggested book: Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Be Noticed
October 26, 2014
This book is written by an author who does not identify with Asian culture. Although this may be true, J.C. Phillipps knows a little about Asian culture because she is a Martial Artist. Wink is accepted into ninja school, but does not seem to fit the criteria of a perfect ninja: stealthy, silent, and strong. Wink does not know how to be silent and seeks attention, which displeases Master Zutsu. He is angry with Wink, which is evident in his disapproving facial expressions. While the other ninjas practice their positions, Wink could not be quiet. He also stuck out like a sore thumb when the others blended into the blades of grass. Wink climbs into a panda's pen and tries to prove himself by hiding in the bamboo. He want to make Master Zutsu proud. He could not keep his excitement contained and just wanted to be noticed. This did not please Master Zutsu, who sent Wink on his way. Wink noticed a boy balancing on boards and cans and created a teachable moment: he demonstrated his acrobatic abilities and love for the circus by helping the boy learn to balance. Wink invited his grandmother and Master Zutsu to the circus and when they arrived, Wink performed varieties of kicks, flips, and stances that impressed Master Zutsu.
I think this a Quality Children's book because it represents values of self-control and hard work. Characters are also diverse with unique personalities, especially Wink. The story is entertaining and age-appropriate for children. It also includes a problem and resolution.
I think this a Quality Children's book because it represents values of self-control and hard work. Characters are also diverse with unique personalities, especially Wink. The story is entertaining and age-appropriate for children. It also includes a problem and resolution.
December 17, 2011
Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Nap by J.C. Phillipps focuses on Wink and his struggles to catch a nap when his fans are constantly following him.
Wink the Nimble Ninja, star of the Lucky Dragon Circus, is tired and needs a nap. But his fans keep showing up and won't let him sleep. With some help from Master Zutsu and the Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas, Wink comes up with the perfect plan to find a way to nap.
The text follows Wink's struggle to please his fans and still get some rest, with some subtle, humorous dialog. This is a sequel to Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed which I haven't read.
Phillipps cut-paper collage illustrations are a highlight. One and two page spreads and panels are used. My favorite illustrations include the cover, the endpapers, Grandmother putting Wink to bed, his fans chasing Wink past the pagoda, Master Zutsu advising Wink, and the last picture.
The story is OK, but I really enjoyed the art. Master Zutsu and Grandmother are fun, entertaining characters. I enjoyed seeing Wink with his panda bear throughout the story.
For ages 3 to 6, ninjas, fame, fans, naps, and fans of Wink and J.C. Phillipps.
Wink the Nimble Ninja, star of the Lucky Dragon Circus, is tired and needs a nap. But his fans keep showing up and won't let him sleep. With some help from Master Zutsu and the Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas, Wink comes up with the perfect plan to find a way to nap.
The text follows Wink's struggle to please his fans and still get some rest, with some subtle, humorous dialog. This is a sequel to Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed which I haven't read.
Phillipps cut-paper collage illustrations are a highlight. One and two page spreads and panels are used. My favorite illustrations include the cover, the endpapers, Grandmother putting Wink to bed, his fans chasing Wink past the pagoda, Master Zutsu advising Wink, and the last picture.
The story is OK, but I really enjoyed the art. Master Zutsu and Grandmother are fun, entertaining characters. I enjoyed seeing Wink with his panda bear throughout the story.
For ages 3 to 6, ninjas, fame, fans, naps, and fans of Wink and J.C. Phillipps.
April 9, 2016
As the sequel to Wink: the ninja who wanted to be noticed, I was very much looking forward to this book. I'm sad to say that I agree with the SLJ review; it's terrible. Readers are introduced to Wink as the star of the Lucky Dragon Circus. We aren't told what he does. What we do know is that he wants a "break" (read nap). He returns to his school and reunites with his friends and teachers. He is met with reporters who want to interview him for a magazine. Three fans are waiting for him. He signs autographs and then goes to take a nap. But the three fans follow him. He decides to wander in the garden to distract them. But he isn't successful. Finally his teacher suggest he blend in with the other ninja students. That works. By the time the three fans have figured out that he isn't one of the ninjas running around, Wink has had a pleasant two hour nap.
This is not a child-friendly book. there are phrases such as "a golden cage is still a cage," and "One zebra along is easily seen. A herd creates confusion." These fortune cookie type phrases are hard to explain to children. The art is fun enough, but not enough to carry the poorly written story.
This is not a child-friendly book. there are phrases such as "a golden cage is still a cage," and "One zebra along is easily seen. A herd creates confusion." These fortune cookie type phrases are hard to explain to children. The art is fun enough, but not enough to carry the poorly written story.
March 12, 2013
Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Nap is a nominee for the 2013-2014 South Carolina Picture Book Award.
After performing in the Lucky Dragon Circus, it's time for Wink to take a break. Wink, however, is finding that taking a nap might not be so easy when he's surrounded by adoring fans. So what does he do? After trying everything he can think of, Wink returns to the Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas and takes the advice of Master Zutsu. It's time for this ninja to nap, and he'll need some help to get the rest he needs!
As a lifelong lover of naps, I enjoyed this book. The best part, though, was not Wink's quest for sleep. It was the lovely illustrations. The collages really jumped off the page and, in my opinion, brought a little of Japan to the reader.
When sharing this book with young readers, some explanation of Master Zutsu's sayings may be needed. I don't know of many kindergarteners or 1st graders who'll know what "A golden cage is still a cage" really means.
After performing in the Lucky Dragon Circus, it's time for Wink to take a break. Wink, however, is finding that taking a nap might not be so easy when he's surrounded by adoring fans. So what does he do? After trying everything he can think of, Wink returns to the Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas and takes the advice of Master Zutsu. It's time for this ninja to nap, and he'll need some help to get the rest he needs!
As a lifelong lover of naps, I enjoyed this book. The best part, though, was not Wink's quest for sleep. It was the lovely illustrations. The collages really jumped off the page and, in my opinion, brought a little of Japan to the reader.
When sharing this book with young readers, some explanation of Master Zutsu's sayings may be needed. I don't know of many kindergarteners or 1st graders who'll know what "A golden cage is still a cage" really means.
June 13, 2019
Wink's desire to stand out conflicts with his wish to become a ninja.
"But if no one sees me, no one knows I'm a great ninja."
Despite his considerable talent, Wink’s colorful personality and need for attention jeopardizes his standing at Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas. Wink suffers a great deal of heartache over his inability to embrace silenc and stealth until he discovers a career that combines all a ninja’s martial arts skills with flashy showmanship.
"Free-flowing water will always find its way."
This is a great book to read with a child struggling to find a place for him/herself in the world. Sometimes when one thing is unattainable, it's possible to find something else with all the same appeal factors. Wink's overwhelming desire for an audience precludes his becoming a ninja but not a circus acrobat.
"But if no one sees me, no one knows I'm a great ninja."
Despite his considerable talent, Wink’s colorful personality and need for attention jeopardizes his standing at Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas. Wink suffers a great deal of heartache over his inability to embrace silenc and stealth until he discovers a career that combines all a ninja’s martial arts skills with flashy showmanship.
"Free-flowing water will always find its way."
This is a great book to read with a child struggling to find a place for him/herself in the world. Sometimes when one thing is unattainable, it's possible to find something else with all the same appeal factors. Wink's overwhelming desire for an audience precludes his becoming a ninja but not a circus acrobat.
August 3, 2011
Fans of The Ninja Who Wanted to Be Noticed will probably enjoy this title just as much as the earlier one. Wink finds that fame comes with a price, and all his flamboyance has attracted a lot of attention, perhaps too much. When his grandmother takes him home for a nap, he can't get any rest because of all the fans stalking him. With the advice of Master Zutsu and the help of some ninja friends, he leads them on a merry chase and finally gets some rest. The cut-paper illustrations have been glued to form the scenes for the book. I liked them much more than the story itself, which wasn't particularly interesting to me--boy tries to avoid fans and get a rest despite the fact that he has craved fame--and which contains subtle bits from Master Zutsu that may go over young readers' heads.
Read
October 11, 2011Wink is very excited to have been accepted to the Summer Moon School for Ninjas and he can't wait to show everyone what a great ninja he is.However, it becomes apparent Winks' desire for recognition is a problem. I love this quote from the book that says,as "The flower that flaunts its colours is the first to be plucked!" This quote shows winks mindset at ninja school. He wanted to be the center of attention and constantly be noticed for what a great ninja he thought he was. He was told all the things he needed to do and once he did them nobody noticed. However, later in the story Wink discovers that maybe ninja school isnt what he is I am sure we all have someone in ourlives that it just like this.
January 12, 2017
Wink really wants to be good at ninja school, but he also craves attention. He needs to find his own path! Though this is a story about being yourself, it's not a story about rebellion and rejection. Wink doesn't disrespect his ninja school master. His master ends up pleased that Wink has figured himself out. And it's Wink's grandmother's advice that helps him finds his way. The sheer joy at the end of this book made my day.
(The second Wink book loses some of the respect I appreciated in the first book, as the ninja school master is presented in a more stereotyped way, like a generic "Asian wise man" from a kung fu movie - and Wink reacts to his sayings with disdain. You can skip it.)
(The second Wink book loses some of the respect I appreciated in the first book, as the ninja school master is presented in a more stereotyped way, like a generic "Asian wise man" from a kung fu movie - and Wink reacts to his sayings with disdain. You can skip it.)
March 24, 2010
This is the story of Wink who wants nothing more than to be a ninja. However, when Wink starts ninja school he has a hard time following the directions that insist he be quiet and blend into his surroundings. Wink wants to be noticed for his skills and if he is quiet and stealthy, no one will notice him. Wink becomes sad. Finally, Wink finds a way to be himself and show off his skills and his happiness returns.
This would be a great book to teach students about the importance of being different. We each have unique talents to offer and one is not better than another. It might also be fun to use for a physical education unit and let students practice different circus skills.
This would be a great book to teach students about the importance of being different. We each have unique talents to offer and one is not better than another. It might also be fun to use for a physical education unit and let students practice different circus skills.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews