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Jack B. Ninja
Jack B. Ninja! Jack, be quick!
Jack, jump over the bamboo stick!
Secret mission starts tonight.
Hide in shadow, out of sight.
In this ninja fantasy inspired by the classic nursery rhyme "Jack Be Nimble," cheer on Jack as he sneaks over castle walls, swims through hidden tunnels, and uncovers a secret treasure -- all while avoiding detection. But when Jack unwittingly springs a trap in the middle of his mission, will he be able to use his ninja skills to escape the bandits and make it back home?
Jack, jump over the bamboo stick!
Secret mission starts tonight.
Hide in shadow, out of sight.
In this ninja fantasy inspired by the classic nursery rhyme "Jack Be Nimble," cheer on Jack as he sneaks over castle walls, swims through hidden tunnels, and uncovers a secret treasure -- all while avoiding detection. But when Jack unwittingly springs a trap in the middle of his mission, will he be able to use his ninja skills to escape the bandits and make it back home?
Paperback
First published June 26, 2018
1 person is currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Stephen A. Savage
47 books72 followersBrooklyn-based Stephen Savage is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of 15 books for children. He is the recipient of a New York Times Best Illustrated Book award, a Sendak Fellowship, and a Geisel Honor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 10, 2023
Follow Jack B. Ninja on his adventures - nice art! This is a really fun 'mash-up' that really does make sense: small children will be interested in the adventures of Jack B. Ninja as he tries to find a way to reach his goals. Side note: it amazes me how entrenched ninja have become in popular culture - there seems to be no end to their manifestations!
November 11, 2018
This book is an extended play on the words and rhyming scheme of the Jack be nimble nursery rhyme. The book's protagonist, a young ninja, has major things at stake however (no candlesticks here!) and danger lies around every corner. Young children love ninjas and this picture book will be sure to please the kiddos.
Find Jack B. Ninja at the Westminster Public Library!
Find Jack B. Ninja at the Westminster Public Library!
September 22, 2018
My little boys would love it - they are all about ninjas.
September 22, 2018
What a hoot! A modern, relevant twist on an old classic that any budding young ninjas will appreciate.
July 14, 2018
Very cute. Great adventure. Different style illustrations.
September 22, 2019
Do you love stories with surprise twists at the end? We do! From Chris Van Allsburg's ever-present twist of fate to the laugh-inducing surprise at the end of one of our newest favorites (Spencer's New Pet by Jessie Sima), we'll read these books over and over and over again, even once we know what to anticipate. Jack B. Ninja, by Tim McCanna and illustrated by Stephen Savage, is another recent find with a delightful surprise at the end!
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Inspired by the nursery rhyme "Jack Be Nimble," Jack B. Ninja features Jack, a ninja-in-training who is sent out on his own to complete an evening mission. McCanna's rhythm rolls off of your tongue, much as we see Jack rolling across the pages... He's paced this perfectly for a read-aloud that builds action and suspense, with short, staccato phrases when we want Jack to move fact, and slower, longer sentences and words just when we may need to rest.
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In fact, McCanna's use of fast-paced rhythm and rhyme in Jack B. Ninja make this book a blast to read aloud. Though suspenseful, this isn't ever exactly scary, so children are drawn in just enough to want to see how Jack's mission will play out. Budding readers may delight in being able to predict some of the text and words, and all will happily rejoice when the end goal of Jack's mission is finally revealed.
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Stephen Savage's illustrations are bold and crisp, perfect for a ninja story! His characters are shown in mostly silhouette form against simple backgrounds completed in various shades of one color. Astute observers may notice features of the background that reflect Japan, which may lead to some interesting conversations about geography and architecture.
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Do you know Tim McCanna's books? Check them out if you don't! We personally love Watersong and Teeny Tiny Trucks, but he's also got some really fun read-aloud books full of rhythms and musical sounds!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Inspired by the nursery rhyme "Jack Be Nimble," Jack B. Ninja features Jack, a ninja-in-training who is sent out on his own to complete an evening mission. McCanna's rhythm rolls off of your tongue, much as we see Jack rolling across the pages... He's paced this perfectly for a read-aloud that builds action and suspense, with short, staccato phrases when we want Jack to move fact, and slower, longer sentences and words just when we may need to rest.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In fact, McCanna's use of fast-paced rhythm and rhyme in Jack B. Ninja make this book a blast to read aloud. Though suspenseful, this isn't ever exactly scary, so children are drawn in just enough to want to see how Jack's mission will play out. Budding readers may delight in being able to predict some of the text and words, and all will happily rejoice when the end goal of Jack's mission is finally revealed.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Stephen Savage's illustrations are bold and crisp, perfect for a ninja story! His characters are shown in mostly silhouette form against simple backgrounds completed in various shades of one color. Astute observers may notice features of the background that reflect Japan, which may lead to some interesting conversations about geography and architecture.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you know Tim McCanna's books? Check them out if you don't! We personally love Watersong and Teeny Tiny Trucks, but he's also got some really fun read-aloud books full of rhythms and musical sounds!
September 19, 2018
'Jack B. Ninja' by Tim McCanna, illustrated by Stephen Savage, is a rhyming story about Jack, a young ninja who hides, scales the highest walls, swims underwater, enters dark caves, discovers hidden treasure, and finds himself not alone. Just when he thinks his mission has come to an end, he is saved by three friendly ninjas who help him find the ninja master, to whom he must bring the treasure.
As it turns out, the other ninjas are closer to Jack than one might think, and they are all working together toward one common goal - celebrating Jack's birthday.
While the story is cute and brings about a sense of fantasy as young kids sometimes dream of being stealthy ninjas who can get away with anything, this story seemed as though it was missing the reveal of the ninjas as his family from a physical standpoint. It would have been nice to see them take off their masks, yet one can see how the point of the story is to show that ninjas are unpredictable and often disappear without any notice. However, the last illustration shows that they obviously spent time together, as Jack's birthday cake has been mostly eaten. Lovers of rhyming children's stories that play on the imagination will want to pick up this book.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
As it turns out, the other ninjas are closer to Jack than one might think, and they are all working together toward one common goal - celebrating Jack's birthday.
While the story is cute and brings about a sense of fantasy as young kids sometimes dream of being stealthy ninjas who can get away with anything, this story seemed as though it was missing the reveal of the ninjas as his family from a physical standpoint. It would have been nice to see them take off their masks, yet one can see how the point of the story is to show that ninjas are unpredictable and often disappear without any notice. However, the last illustration shows that they obviously spent time together, as Jack's birthday cake has been mostly eaten. Lovers of rhyming children's stories that play on the imagination will want to pick up this book.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
June 28, 2018
A very special thanks to illustrator Stephen Savage for sending a F & G copy of Jack B. Ninja to my #bookexcursion group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In this original twist to the classic nursery rhyme, author Tim McCanna has recasted Jack B. Nimble as Jack B. Ninja. On a secret mission to find a stolen treasure chest, Jack B. Ninja must not only be nimble and quick but also quiet, bold, and brave. When he gets stuck and spotted by the bandit crew, Jack B. Ninja must use his tools and skills to escape. Will he successfully complete his quest?
I have no doubt that young children will thoroughly delight in having Jack B. Ninja read aloud. Illustrator Stephen Savage’s bold artwork of simple shapes, lines, and colors literally jump off the pages.
In this original twist to the classic nursery rhyme, author Tim McCanna has recasted Jack B. Nimble as Jack B. Ninja. On a secret mission to find a stolen treasure chest, Jack B. Ninja must not only be nimble and quick but also quiet, bold, and brave. When he gets stuck and spotted by the bandit crew, Jack B. Ninja must use his tools and skills to escape. Will he successfully complete his quest?
I have no doubt that young children will thoroughly delight in having Jack B. Ninja read aloud. Illustrator Stephen Savage’s bold artwork of simple shapes, lines, and colors literally jump off the pages.
December 7, 2018
Cool picture book with my name!
This is a picture book based on the classic Jack be Nimble nursery rhyme. In this book, Jack is a brave ninja. My name is Jack and I want to be a ninja too!
The character from this story, Jack dives into the garden pool and breaks into a bandit cave. He’s on a mission to find a stolen treasure chest. He meets a bandit crew and narrowly escapes. It turns out the bandits are not who they seem. It was a little confusing to me.
I liked the fact that the book is based on Jack and he’s a cool ninja. I didn’t really understand the ending though. The pictures were great, and the rhymes made sense. I liked it and would recommend it for kids ages 4-6. I give it four stars.
Review by Jack H., age 6, New Mexico Mensa
This is a picture book based on the classic Jack be Nimble nursery rhyme. In this book, Jack is a brave ninja. My name is Jack and I want to be a ninja too!
The character from this story, Jack dives into the garden pool and breaks into a bandit cave. He’s on a mission to find a stolen treasure chest. He meets a bandit crew and narrowly escapes. It turns out the bandits are not who they seem. It was a little confusing to me.
I liked the fact that the book is based on Jack and he’s a cool ninja. I didn’t really understand the ending though. The pictures were great, and the rhymes made sense. I liked it and would recommend it for kids ages 4-6. I give it four stars.
Review by Jack H., age 6, New Mexico Mensa
April 17, 2018
McCanna, Tim Jack B. Ninja, illustrated by Stephen Savage. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard, 2018. $17. 9780545917285.
Jack B. Ninja is on a secret mission to rescue a stolen treasure chest. He’ll fight through danger and foes to reach his goal.
What a clever twist on the familiar nursery rhyme! There’s a whole instant unit ready to teach comparing classic nursery rhymes to some of the clever rewrites available and possibly letting them try their hand at their own parodies.
Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL. EL, MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Jack B. Ninja is on a secret mission to rescue a stolen treasure chest. He’ll fight through danger and foes to reach his goal.
What a clever twist on the familiar nursery rhyme! There’s a whole instant unit ready to teach comparing classic nursery rhymes to some of the clever rewrites available and possibly letting them try their hand at their own parodies.
Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL. EL, MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
September 18, 2019
This fun play on the "Jack Be Nimble" nursery rhyme sees young Jack B. Ninja setting out on a secret mission. This one was a mixed bag for me... I wish the author had made better use of the original nursery rhyme (other than the opening lines, it never really comes into play), and sometimes I found the action hard to follow. But young ninja fans probably won't mind. :) I did really liked the bold, crisp illustrations - they remind me of cut paper art, although they were all done digitally - and the artist makes great use of color to play up some of the more suspenseful scenes. This would make a fun read aloud for early elementary schoolers.
August 25, 2018
In this take-off on the classic nursery rhyme, "Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick," this picture book follows one ninja who slips up and over walls and avoids detection as he reaches the rooftop. A couple of surprises await him there. While many youngsters will enjoy reading this book, especially if they are fans of Stephen Savage's previous artwork, I didn't particularly find this one that visually interesting or one that would make me want to read it a second or third time. Ninja fans will probably enjoy it, though.
September 11, 2020
Jack B. Ninja! Jack, be quick!
Jack, jump over the bamboo stick!
Secret mission starts tonight.
Hide in shadow, out of sight.
In this ninja fantasy inspired by the classic nursery rhyme "Jack Be Nimble," cheer on Jack as he sneaks over castle walls, swims through hidden tunnels, and uncovers a secret treasure -- all while avoiding detection. But when Jack unwittingly springs a trap in the middle of his mission, will he be able to use his ninja skills to escape the bandits and make it back home?
Jack, jump over the bamboo stick!
Secret mission starts tonight.
Hide in shadow, out of sight.
In this ninja fantasy inspired by the classic nursery rhyme "Jack Be Nimble," cheer on Jack as he sneaks over castle walls, swims through hidden tunnels, and uncovers a secret treasure -- all while avoiding detection. But when Jack unwittingly springs a trap in the middle of his mission, will he be able to use his ninja skills to escape the bandits and make it back home?
June 13, 2018
{My thoughts} – Jack B. Ninja is a fun book that can be read in the tone of the nursery rhyme Jack be nimble. I really enjoyed reading this book, it has a nice rhythm and a nice flow to it. The illustrations and the words go hand and hand with one another.
I think that any child that enjoys books about ninjas will enjoy reading a book like this. It’s a nice little story that ends showing a child about the love and family. I think that it could be an excellent addition to any child’s library.
I think that any child that enjoys books about ninjas will enjoy reading a book like this. It’s a nice little story that ends showing a child about the love and family. I think that it could be an excellent addition to any child’s library.
July 30, 2018
I love this take on Jack Be Nimble rhyme. Ninjas are really fun for children to read about close to Halloween and see how active and agile this young Ninja is. Fun beginning and ending and the rhythm is fun to read aloud. Relates to the television programs about exercise and beating the obstacle courses set up. Maybe after reading this they will be more active at recesses and after school instead of being on electronic devices.
August 31, 2018
What a cute book in rhyme. I love rhyming books because it gives the kids a chance to participate and if they're a little older even guess the next word based on the rhyme. Simple language and Simple pictures, I think this would make a super fun book for a Ninja themed storytime or program. How awesome would a childrens program version of America Ninja Warrior be? Maybe in 2019 for a Special I will do a Morley Ninja Warrior course!
September 19, 2019
A very cute rhyming book that will be a huge hit for a read aloud. The illustrations are bright and colorful which will have children anticipating each page. With a cute twist at the end, a ninja in training finishes his "quest" only to find out that his family had been in disguise following and helping him so they could celebrate with a yummy cake and candles! This book is sure to be a favorite.
November 8, 2017
The first time I read through this jaunty play on the nursery rhyme, Jack be nimble, I didn't think it worked all that well despite the great illustrations. Then, I read it aloud to some students and grew to appreciate it so much more and the kids were tickled.
Jack is a ninja in training off on his first mission but, he falls into a trap and must escape.
Jack is a ninja in training off on his first mission but, he falls into a trap and must escape.
July 2, 2018
*Reviewed thanks to an F&G copy from the illustrator, Stephen Savage, through #bookexcursion.*
As soon as Jack B. Ninja arrived on my doorstep, my son was begging to read it. We loved the story of ninjas, family, fun and adventure. What a cute story about one little ninja working to get his treasure back. The illustrations and plot lines kept us hooked and we LOVED the ending.
As soon as Jack B. Ninja arrived on my doorstep, my son was begging to read it. We loved the story of ninjas, family, fun and adventure. What a cute story about one little ninja working to get his treasure back. The illustrations and plot lines kept us hooked and we LOVED the ending.
July 18, 2018
I wasn't a huge fan of the illustration style, but this book has a lot of fun with what has been a common childhood obsession for several decades now. I also liked that this book emphasized skills and smarts over fighting, as many adults are displeased when a child's interest in ninjas results in kicks and karate chops.
August 27, 2018
This is a take on the rhyme "Jack Be Nimble" with a ninja theme. It all rhymes and has the same format as the original rhyme. At the end, Jack B. Ninja even cartwheels over candles. It would make a fun book for a preschool ninja storytime. You could also incorporate the original rhyme easily with this book.
November 9, 2018
It might seem silly, given the books I regularly read, when I put kid’s books on my Goodreads. But as a Kindergarten teacher, I read plenty of books each day and ought to mark them! When my students walk the halls, they use their “sneaky ninja walking feet.” So when I noticed this at the book fair, I HAD to buy it for them! It was cute, simple, and a clever twist on a classic nursery rhyme.
October 3, 2021
fiction
2nd- 4th grade reading level
This book was a very fun read, and kept me guessing on what was to come next! I loved that this book incorporated some rhyme and rhythm throughout the entire book. This allowed for the sentences to flow very easily, and I loved learning about ninjas! Little boys would definitely love this book.
2nd- 4th grade reading level
This book was a very fun read, and kept me guessing on what was to come next! I loved that this book incorporated some rhyme and rhythm throughout the entire book. This allowed for the sentences to flow very easily, and I loved learning about ninjas! Little boys would definitely love this book.
June 19, 2018
A cute ninja book to add to a collection, but there's nothing mind blowing about it. Definitely an option for a ninja storytime with the rhymes and pacing of the story as well as the simple illustrations.
September 6, 2018
I can imagine the author's excitement when they realized that Jack be nimble could be reformed as Jack B. Ninja. I would have been super pleased with myself. Played out over a whole book, though, it was good but not a favorite.
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February 6, 2019Jack B. Ninja is a story about Jack B. Ninja going on a mission. The book tells the story of his mission; he gets a treasure chest and has to bring it back to the ninja master.
I thought the book was cute. The words rhyme on each page, so that made it fun to read. The story is fun for kids.
I would use this in the classroom to teach the kids about rhyming.
I thought the book was cute. The words rhyme on each page, so that made it fun to read. The story is fun for kids.
I would use this in the classroom to teach the kids about rhyming.
February 12, 2019
We love everything by Tim McCanna and Jack B. Ninja did not disappoint. A modern twist on an old nursery rhyme, this was a bedtime hit! My 3 yo loved it so much we had to return the library copy and buy our own. Two things up. 👍👍
August 19, 2019
This is a quick new take on a old nursery rhyme. The rhythm (poetry is a stretch) of the words is fun as it applies simple rhymes, yet quality vocabulary. The plot is straight forward, but not obvious and Stephen Savage lends his usually wonderful art.
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July 14, 2020Alabama Camellia Awards. A play on the nursery rhyme Jack Be Nimble.. It’s an adorable story that will get every little boy excited about being a ninja. Jack explores the night and has several fun encounters.
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June 9, 2022How fun was this fresh new version of "Jack Be Nimble" ? I enjoyed the rhythm of the story, the plot, and the illustrations. I could totally see this a book to be enjoyed while reading, or I could see it as a way to get students out of their seats as ninjas, following Jack's ninja moves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews