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My Grandma's a Ninja
"Terrific as a read-aloud... a wonderful message of tolerance, acceptance, and unconditional love."- Amy Shepherd, School Library Journal
A laugh-out-loud story about a karate-chopping grandma that will have children wondering what exceptional, out-of-the-box and surprising talents their grandparents might have!
When Ethan’s grandma suggests they take a zip line to school, Ethan realizes that his grandma is a little different. In fact, she’s a ninja! Ethan is soon the hit of the school when his grandma drops from the ceiling at show-and-tell, and teaches the kids karate moves and how to do back flips in slow motion.
But having a ninja for a grandma is not everything Ethan hoped it would be. When his grandma deflates his team’s soccer ball, everyone is upset—including Ethan. Why can’t he just have a regular grandma? he wonders, until his new karate moves help him out during the championship game and everyone is happy that his grandma isn't quite ordinary.
A laugh-out-loud story about a karate-chopping grandma that will have children wondering what exceptional, out-of-the-box and surprising talents their grandparents might have!
When Ethan’s grandma suggests they take a zip line to school, Ethan realizes that his grandma is a little different. In fact, she’s a ninja! Ethan is soon the hit of the school when his grandma drops from the ceiling at show-and-tell, and teaches the kids karate moves and how to do back flips in slow motion.
But having a ninja for a grandma is not everything Ethan hoped it would be. When his grandma deflates his team’s soccer ball, everyone is upset—including Ethan. Why can’t he just have a regular grandma? he wonders, until his new karate moves help him out during the championship game and everyone is happy that his grandma isn't quite ordinary.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2015
364 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
February 17, 2015
'Read Now' at NetGalley here - https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/sho...
(Source: I was able to view a digital galley of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to North South Books Inc. and NetGalley.)
This was such a good children's book! I loved Grandma as a ninja, and I also liked how the little boy learned that he shouldn't dislike someone because of who they were. This book was really fun, and I'm sure my 4-year-old will be wanting to hear this one again ☺
(Source: I was able to view a digital galley of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to North South Books Inc. and NetGalley.)
This was such a good children's book! I loved Grandma as a ninja, and I also liked how the little boy learned that he shouldn't dislike someone because of who they were. This book was really fun, and I'm sure my 4-year-old will be wanting to hear this one again ☺
January 16, 2015
Very cute little read. The boys loved it. I hope to see this as a series. My mother would love to be a ninja to impress my boys. Instead she has to settle for being their favorite playmate that brings wonderful amazing things over to share, and takes them on many new adventures!
I received a free digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2015
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher
Sat down with my 4yo son to read this & it was lots of fun!
Who wouldn't want a Ninja Grandma?! that is until she starts causing trouble with all her ninja-ness... and as Grandmas do, they do what you ask them, so she stops being a ninja... and becomes a pirate!!
the bright, fun illustrations full of craziness match perfectly with the story.
Sat down with my 4yo son to read this & it was lots of fun!
Who wouldn't want a Ninja Grandma?! that is until she starts causing trouble with all her ninja-ness... and as Grandmas do, they do what you ask them, so she stops being a ninja... and becomes a pirate!!
the bright, fun illustrations full of craziness match perfectly with the story.
February 23, 2025
Bei der Ninja-Oma kann von Gebrechlichkeit wirklich keine Rede sein. Ganz im Gegenteil, manchmal übertreibt sie es mit dem Einsatz ihrer Kräfte. Und am Ende wird ihr das Ninja-Dasein fad und sie entwirft eine andere Oma-Rolle.
Die Geschichte hat mir gut gefallen, nur die Illustrationen gehören nicht zu den schönsten, die ich in der letzten Zeit sah
Die Geschichte hat mir gut gefallen, nur die Illustrationen gehören nicht zu den schönsten, die ich in der letzten Zeit sah
February 11, 2015
The boys and I loved this one. It's cute, funny, and had the boys wanting me to read it again and again. It's definitely a great story. We love the grandma. The kids were laughing and trying to guess what she would do next. She's a fantastic character. Lots of bright color in the artwork. Definitely one book we will purchase once it's available.
***ARC graciously provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
March 18, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Even though I normally don't review picture books, when I saw the title My Grandma's A Ninja, I just knew I had to read it. I mean, Ninja Grannies. Do I need to say more?
It was a cute picture book with a story as far as those stories in picture books go. I haven't tried the book on young children but I think they would have liked it. Only thing I'm not completely sure of is, would they know what a ninja is at that age...
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Even though I normally don't review picture books, when I saw the title My Grandma's A Ninja, I just knew I had to read it. I mean, Ninja Grannies. Do I need to say more?
It was a cute picture book with a story as far as those stories in picture books go. I haven't tried the book on young children but I think they would have liked it. Only thing I'm not completely sure of is, would they know what a ninja is at that age...
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 1, 2017
Check out more picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
4.5 Stars rounded up because my concern was very minor.
Ethan's grandmother comes for a visit but she's no regular granny, she's a ninja! They zipline to school and teach everyone karate moves. It's all great until she deflates the team's soccer ball. Grandma's not so cool now, until all she's taught them, like backflips in slow motion, helps win them the championship game...
My nephew really look to this book, I'm not sure if it's because he believes secretly his grandmother is a ninja or because he really likes ninjas right now, lol...! The illustrations are super whimsical and suit the tone of the story. I loved them! my nephew likes drawing spreads from the book and I felt like he really took to many pages from this book because he could relate to the drawing style.
*Minor Spoilers*
The story drew you in with all the little things that grandma did that were fun and full of imagination. Then it just hit this odd patch before tying it all up neatly in a bow at the end. Once Ethan is upset that the soccer ball was popped Grandma just kind of walks away. I don't know where she went or why... In real life when we treat others poorly many times we still have to face that person every day. This was just a disconnect to me. At this age that may work fine and you can still talk about how one little upset doesn't change family and friends you love. And how you can see their affect on your life in many other positive ways.
BOTTOM LINE: A great ninja lovers grandma story.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
4.5 Stars rounded up because my concern was very minor.
Ethan's grandmother comes for a visit but she's no regular granny, she's a ninja! They zipline to school and teach everyone karate moves. It's all great until she deflates the team's soccer ball. Grandma's not so cool now, until all she's taught them, like backflips in slow motion, helps win them the championship game...
My nephew really look to this book, I'm not sure if it's because he believes secretly his grandmother is a ninja or because he really likes ninjas right now, lol...! The illustrations are super whimsical and suit the tone of the story. I loved them! my nephew likes drawing spreads from the book and I felt like he really took to many pages from this book because he could relate to the drawing style.
*Minor Spoilers*
The story drew you in with all the little things that grandma did that were fun and full of imagination. Then it just hit this odd patch before tying it all up neatly in a bow at the end. Once Ethan is upset that the soccer ball was popped Grandma just kind of walks away. I don't know where she went or why... In real life when we treat others poorly many times we still have to face that person every day. This was just a disconnect to me. At this age that may work fine and you can still talk about how one little upset doesn't change family and friends you love. And how you can see their affect on your life in many other positive ways.
BOTTOM LINE: A great ninja lovers grandma story.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
February 2, 2015
I received a free digital copy from the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest feedback.
This is so cute! How cooler can you get when your grandma's a ninja?
I like the simplicity of the story. It can be understood by children but not too basic that they can still learn new words. The pictures go along with the story and capture the scenes. But I love it the most because it makes us appreciate our grandmas! They are actually our heroes in their own ways.
His grandma is flexible though! A ninja-turned-pirate? Ahoy matey!
This is so cute! How cooler can you get when your grandma's a ninja?
I like the simplicity of the story. It can be understood by children but not too basic that they can still learn new words. The pictures go along with the story and capture the scenes. But I love it the most because it makes us appreciate our grandmas! They are actually our heroes in their own ways.
His grandma is flexible though! A ninja-turned-pirate? Ahoy matey!
February 12, 2015
Много готина и щура детска книжка. За неразбориите, които са следствие от факта, че баба ти е нинджа. И за ползите от това да имаш баба-нинджа.
February 20, 2015
Aaww such a cute story!
March 2, 2015
This was the cutest thing ever!! I love grandmas, but a ninja grandma, oh man, that is the best idea ever!! It was cute and funny!! Watch out grandmas get ready to show your KARATE MOVES!!
November 19, 2020
This book was recommended to me by my sister who resembles this grandma. She's fun and tries new things. She's a great even at a long distance. I'm glad I read this to Alena. She loves her grandmas.
January 18, 2015
This kept me laughing the whole time. I actually have tears in my eyes.
Ok, first off, the cadence of this story is excellent. I think this would be a great bedtime story. It's quick and funny. The pictures are cute and the jokes are, too.
The illustrations are simple, but funny. I like how the grandma ninja still wears her necklace. The slow motion ninja moves are well done, too.
And the ending? Priceless.
I would say the only thing that could be done better is the font and text formatting used inside. It looks like it's Arial, which isn't a particularly interesting font. Plus, it seems rather small. I think a serif font, a bit bigger, would fit in with the illustrations a bit better. Also, the larger font would be easier to read during bedtime when lights might be dimmed a bit to get the youngsters in the mood for sleep. Another note on the text is that the paragraph indents seem weird. Sure, paragraphs tend to start with an indent, but in picture books, we're talking one or two liners. I think no indent would look better.
Ok, first off, the cadence of this story is excellent. I think this would be a great bedtime story. It's quick and funny. The pictures are cute and the jokes are, too.
The illustrations are simple, but funny. I like how the grandma ninja still wears her necklace. The slow motion ninja moves are well done, too.
And the ending? Priceless.
I would say the only thing that could be done better is the font and text formatting used inside. It looks like it's Arial, which isn't a particularly interesting font. Plus, it seems rather small. I think a serif font, a bit bigger, would fit in with the illustrations a bit better. Also, the larger font would be easier to read during bedtime when lights might be dimmed a bit to get the youngsters in the mood for sleep. Another note on the text is that the paragraph indents seem weird. Sure, paragraphs tend to start with an indent, but in picture books, we're talking one or two liners. I think no indent would look better.
February 28, 2015
My Grandma's a Ninja reminded me of how I thought my own grandmother acted growing up. In this book she started out as an awesome ninja that her grandson and his friends could appreciate. But then she turned out to ruin a few things with her strange moves. It was angering and embarrassing for the boy. When his grandma didn't show up to spend the next day with him he realized he missed her and that she was fun to have around. Personally, I found this book to be entertaining and funny because of the narrative and illustrations. The end left it open to further books. It was definitely a very entertaining read, especially for a young boy or anyone with a grandma who has an active imagination.
I was provided a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2015
It's a good book. Should have more cars in Ethan's room to keep boys readers interested. I read for my 3 year old, he likes two cars in this book but not enough to keep him interested to hear the story until the end. Ninja concept is interesting.
July 31, 2015
For some reason ninjas are very "in" right now.
August 13, 2015
Pretty cool book! Grandma's so awesome. Even the parents laughed at the story! Sadly the kids didn't really enjoy it.
September 19, 2015
Having a ninja for a grandma can be great! But it also has its downsides, too.
Good for preschool storytimes.
Good for preschool storytimes.
October 27, 2015
I wish I had a Ninja Grandma! So glad I suggested this book for our library. A cute read.
November 6, 2015
very funny book!
November 14, 2015
Eh. Whatever.
The kids will like it.
The kids will like it.
January 28, 2016
This was a fun book. That is one crazy grandma!
January 31, 2016
My kid really enjoyed this book. She couldn't stop laughing at how absurd the grandma was.
March 1, 2016
Loved the ending.
March 9, 2016
BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!
February 17, 2015
Aww such a cute story. I loved it!
October 27, 2015
For ninja-lovers and the people who tuck them in at night
June 28, 2023
A humorous story of an unconventional grandma whose ninja antics are wearying after awhile. The premise hinges on the belief that grandma's are unathletic and boring, which some older folks might find insulting. Throw in a couple Asian stereotypes for good measure (hey! sushi is delicious! Rude!) and this book teeters on the edge of being very politically incorrect at times--but then again, a lot of humor tiptoes on that line. I think this book works well as a read-aloud because it's rhythmic and funny, but I wouldn't want to read it at a library story time or for a class due to the stereotypes.
September 6, 2022
This was our Grandparents' Day book for storytime. The kids LOVED it.
I really got a chuckle out of this book, too. My Granny was a brown belt in karate, and was halfway to earning her black belt when she injured her back and had to give up the sport. We didn't believe her, so she showed us her belts, shuriken, kunai, and nunchaku. We believe her now! (I'm not sure if she only practiced karate, or different forms of martial arts. This was in the early 80s).
I really got a chuckle out of this book, too. My Granny was a brown belt in karate, and was halfway to earning her black belt when she injured her back and had to give up the sport. We didn't believe her, so she showed us her belts, shuriken, kunai, and nunchaku. We believe her now! (I'm not sure if she only practiced karate, or different forms of martial arts. This was in the early 80s).
July 26, 2023
It's moderately cute and funny, BUT I'm concerned about the cultural appropriation in this book :/ It seems like they're just stereotyping ninjas since the grandma eats raw fish at some point. And at the end it turns out she's just being a ninja as a "costume" and her next fad is going to be to dress up as a "pirate." To me, this feels adjacent to dressing up as an "Indian" for Halloween. Not very culturally sensitive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews