Night of the Ninjas Graphic Novel

Magic Tree House Graphic Novel #5

by Jenny Laird (Adapter), Kelly Matthews (Illustrator), Nichole Matthews (Illustrator)

The #1 bestselling chapter book series is now available as graphic novels! Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Get whisked away to ancient Japan and the time of ninjas with Jack and Annie!There's a whisper in the shadows, a silent warrior. It's a ninja! The magic tree house has whisked Jack and Annie to ancient Japan. They need to learn the secrets of the ninja in order to help their friend Morgan! But how do you find a warrior that hides in the shadows? You don't find a ninja . . . the ninja finds YOU!For the first time in graphic novel--live the adventure again with new full-color vibrant art that brings the magic to life!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Childrens, Adventure, Historical Fiction, 2nd Grade, Comics

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2023

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good installment in the series! I recently finished Night of the Ninjas so I was anticipating picking up the graphic novel adaptation. These are short and quick readers and pair really well with those that are fans of the series. Because this follows the original text so closely, I don't really have much to add in terms of a review. Definitely check these out if you love or have enjoyed the original series of books.

[Jenny Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun one! I am enjoying seeing the story brought to life like this for sure, though I do wish the color palette had not been so dark in this, though being set at night it could not really be helped.
Peanut the mouse is adorable!

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[Arman Waggoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! This was more illustrated than the actual series(which I did not read)Makes me wish I was stronger reader when I was a kid. I can't wait to read more and hopefully this sticks all the way to the final book in the original series and make some for the Merlin Missions.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I really enjoy this series for how it stays so faithful to the original books, and the incredible illustrations with rich, deep color palettes add SO much. However in the past couple I've read, I've had some concerns about how the cultures being discussed are portrayed. I understand that these books are fantastical and not necessarily intending to represent exact factual information, there is an element of them that is attempting to educate kids on these historical time periods. In the 'Mummies' book and this one, I do think they take liberties with how these cultures are portrayed that feel like they're exoticizing or even to an extent fetishizing these cultures, playing up the mysticism. In this one it wasn't as noticeable, but I think the "master" that they encounter in the cave, who is supposedly a mysterious figure with great knowledge, is where my issue lies. To be fair I don't know much about the history of ninjas, and I don't know for sure how faithful this book is to the history. I just feel that portraying real people who actually existed as taking wisdom from a figure that's implied to be mystical/superhuman in some way kind of takes away from the knowledge that they actually had and kind of makes them seem unreal and fantastical, which I think is a belief many kids would already have about ninjas, since a watered down, inaccurate version of them is quite popular in media/pop culture. I feel like other cultures, such as medeivel europe, are portrayed in a less mysticizing way, with mythical creatures coming in to help the kids or something to that effect. I find that playing off popular folklore is a better way to inject some magic and fantasy into books about history, rather than sort of taking liberties with the people of a culture or playing into stereotypes surrounding them. I may be way off the mark here, and again I don't know much about the history of ninjas, but from what I know they were just people, who were highly trained and skilled. I think this series is great for kids, and I'm glad the nonfiction books are there to counteract some of the more fantastical liberties these books make with historical events. Which to be clear I'm all for mixing fantasy and history, but its something you have to be very intentional about when discussing cultures that are already quite exoticized.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is well known that my kids and I love Magic Tree House and I have to admit that at first I was skeptical that the graphic novels should be made. But I am a believer now. The illustrations are cute and at times gorgeous and, since it is starting with the oldest books going forward, there have been little changes to the adventures of Jack and Annie that I think actually make them even better, adding in elements to their travels that didn't become more consistent until later in the series. My youngest who is not yet old enough to read, also enjoys looking through the graphic novels, pointing out things in the pictures that I don't always catch the first time. I highly recommend these graphic novels for any early reader or as the family book (my husband even picks them when it is his choice at book time).

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack and Annie are swept back to Feudal Japan where they must follow some ninjas to retrieve a clue to help rescue Morgan.

I don't think I've ever read the original so I can't say what the differences are in this adaptation. Jack and Annie learn some ninja skills and have to hide from samurais. Illustrating almost entirely night scenes must have been challenging for the illustrators. I know some kids will go bonkers for a ninja story so this will likely be super popular.

Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: The threat is there, but no violence on page
Ethnic diversity: Jack and Annie are White Americans. The ninjas are Japanese.
GBLTQ+ content: None
Other: The kids have to cross a river at one point which could be dangerous. Adults may want to talk to young readers about safe methods of crossing rivers.

[Ellyn → Allonsythornraxx · Rating 3 out of 5]

19/08/2024
3 ⭐️
Definitely the weakest in the series but still a good instalment.

read for the graphicsathon august bingo challenge

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[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack and Annie are in the tree house looking for Morgan. Instead they find a mouse who Annie takes along and a note Morgan left saying she is under a spell and they need to find things to help save her. Going into the open book on the floor thinking Morgan left it as a clue they end up in a land of ninjas. Luckily some of the ninjas are helpful in guiding the two kids on their quest to find the things Morgan needs to break the spell she's under. Making their way among warriors the kids try to keep themselves safe. The book leaves you still wondering where Morgan could be as it doesn't end with any real conclusion.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is ok for younger ones who are not yet into graphic novels or reading. Problem is they are often very dark panels, not a whole lot of action, art is kinda generic, and nothing super wowing in the scenes. Could have made it more creative with the scene designs. It seems like the bare minimum required for a graphic novel. Atmosphere is half the point of graphic novels. This one is better than the others in the series in regards to the scenery, but it's a weakness of this series overall.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will say once again that I know these books are for kids and I'm mostly reading them for nostalgic reasons. I will say that it felt like there was surprisingly little that happened in this book... Annie and Jack didn't seem to do anything but just follow the ninjas around. There also wasn't a lot of dialogue either. But I still enjoyed it. The artwork is beautiful and again the nostalgia factor is big for me.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

I haven't read the novel versions so the stories are new to me. I think I liked this one the best but I also had some issues with it. Mostly that the ninja master is basically just like "I'll help you *breath* okay you are on your own." Peanut is a cute addition and I did like seeing Jack and Annie trying to be like nature. I'm excited to read the next one in the series.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Annie have to find Morgan le Fay, and from an unfinished scribbled note, it looks like they have to find four clues in order to get to Morgan. They end up traveling back to Japan during the time of the ninjas and samurai.

The full color pictures are done really well and I love the sibling relationship between Jack and Annie. Jack takes care of Annie and watches out for her as they cross a river, and they hold hands as they run home. Just very sweet to see.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son challenged me to read all six of the magic treehouse graphic novels. I usually like the pictures. This books illistrations were very dark making them hard to see. I realize that's because it takes place at night, but it still made it less enjoyable. I placed this book with the prompt read a book set in a state you would like to live in. (read with Allison 2024) for Frog Creek, Pennsylvania.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

Loved this one! Always have been fascinated by Ninjas! Annie and Jack meet some Ninjas while on a mission for Morgan. They even learned a bit from them while running from my Samurai!
Such an adventure! And so fun to learn about two groups of warriors that lived in ancient Japan. Plus loved the illustrations 😍

[Nikhil Math]

This was the second book I have read from graphic novel versions of the Magic Tree House. So far I really like the graphic novel in this series. I don't think they will make much more of these, I don’t know if they want to put in the time for it. But honestly it was good. The mouse is so cute. I love how the illustrator drew peanut.

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for a fantastic graphic adaptation of MTH Night of the Ninjas. I thought the illstrations were fantastic, the adaptation was well done, and another great Magic Tree House graphic.

Kids love these, and I do too.

Thank you Random House Kids for sharing this one with me.

[Johnnysbookreviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced. I feel like they could have added more story to it. I know the books are beginner readers, but they could add more beef to it to attract more kids to the series.

However, I still loved it, so I can't wait for the next one. Let's go.

[Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I like this book because it talks about ninjas and it's just a really good book. I want to read the next couple [books]to see Morgan get back." -Conley, age 8

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a super weak one.

[Christy Broderick⁷ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another quick adventure for Jack and Annie - they are missing their friend, M, but have been given a clue as to how to find her. Can’t wait for the next book to see what happens!

[Jessica (ThatDamFangirl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never read the original book of this when I was younger because I thought I wouldn't like it and I was right because I wasn't a big fan of the graphic novel.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with my 5-year-old. He loved the adventure and the ninjas.

[Kirbygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book, should read!

[Tam Newell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed with the little amount of text and very dark artwork.

[Bee 🐝]

slightly disappointed in this one because i felt like there was hardly anything learned about ancient japan. still cute though and i enjoy the art style.

[Aaliyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit to short and no good story line.

[Hamburger · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was great!

[Juliet Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like how the author goes pretty deep into the details for a children’s book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute remake of the story.

[Brink Doner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book