Friday 9 December 2011
The Boy Who Cried Ninja
There are a ton of books for children that feature pirates. Tons more feature dinosaurs. Still more feature cute and cuddly animals but have we had many children's books that feature Ninjas? No we haven't so it's good to see Alex Latimer redressing the balance and giving the black-suited stealth experts their time in the sun (or the dark, dark shadows).
Young Tim is a boy who spins tall stories and makes terrible excuses for his wrongdoings. But when Tim decides to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, things go from bad to worse.
The Ninja (in the title) steals into Tim's house one day to snaffle the cake (with an expert kick and a flick, it's gone in a trice). That's just the beginning of Tim's woes, as a whole host of other characters make his life a misery. Will everything be set right in the end? You'll have to read the book to find out but it looks like Alex Latimer will be a children's author and illustrator to watch in the future, this book is absolutely fantastic.
Charlotte's best bit - The schoolbag-eating Octopus
Daddy's favourite bit - The characters being made to rake up the leaves (and, er, smelly piles of doggy poo)
Rating - 5 out of 5 stars
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