Ninja Boy's Secret - by Tina Schneider (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

**Winner of 2020 Northern Lights Book Awards Author/Illustrator Category**

The sweet story of being invisible and becoming seen.

Ninja Boy has a secret. It's not that he's flunking out of Ninja Academy--his dad knows that. It's that Ninja Boy doesn't like skulking about quietly in the night, clad in black like a thief, leaving no trace of his existence. He knows he'll never be half the Ninja his father is--silent as a ghost, ever ready to attack.

No, this little Ninja has a different calling. He's a talented musician who expresses himself with a violin. He wants to share that passion with his dad, but is afraid his father will not approve. So what's a misguided maestro to do? Summoning all the courage and passion he has, he plays a loud and beautiful violin sonata for his Ninja dad!

In Ninja Boy's Secret, Tina Schneider's lively, amusing illustrations bring her character's struggles and ultimate triumph vividly to life. This Japanese-inspired picture book teaches kids valuable lessons through a fun and inspiring story.

With his faithful dog in tow, Ninja Boy makes his way from silence to song in a charming tale about being true to yourself and finding your calling in life.

Review Quotes

"...the hand-drawn illustrations and text shine, flowing across the page...There is a lot of wisdom in this simple tale that, I think, is needed in many children's lives, around our country, and the world." -- KidsR.US blog

"...this book has an important message about being true to oneself as well as introducing some of Japanese culture to the world. The illustrations add even more to the culture from the buildings to the decor. It is a sweet story and a great introduction to Japan." -- Crafty Moms Share blog

"Ninja Boy's Secret is a beautiful book about a boy learning to follow his heart--even if it means he might disappoint his father. Because--unlike so many children--Ninja Boy doesn't actually want to be a ninja. He wants to be a musician! Fearful of how his father will react, Ninja Boy nevertheless summons the courage to share his secret by playing a beautiful violin sonata. Great story and I love the Japanese-inspired illustrations!" --All Done Monkey blog

"In Ninja Boy's Secret, author and artist Tina Schneider's lively and amusing illustrations bring her character's struggles and ultimate triumph vividly to life. This Japanese-inspired picture book teaches kids ages 3-8 valuable lessons through a fun and inspiring story about being true to yourself and finding your calling in life...very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections..." -- Midwest Book Review

"This book can be used in so many different ways...It is simple and straightforward, and it is beautiful, both in the text and most certainly in the illustrations. You really must make this book a home on your bookshelf!" -- Castle View Academy blog

"This title is recommended for public and school libraries as a title about speaking up and being one's authentic self." -- School Library Journal

About the Author

Tina Schneider began her career as a studio artist, painting and drawing. She received her BFA from The School of Visual Arts, her MFA from Bard College and taught at Vassar College. Her work was featured in exhibits at The Drawing Center, Wave Hill and The Bronx Museum. All along, though, deep in her heart, she really wanted to make books for children. This desire intensified when she had her own children, and for years now she has been devoted to writing and drawing beautiful books that entertain, inspire and comfort children of all ages. She lives in New York City with her husband and three children. This is her first book.