Title: Wink, The Ninja Who Wanted To Be Noticed
Author: J.C.Phillipps
Illustrator: J.C.Phillipps
Published by: Viking Juvenile
ISBN: 0670010928
ISBN13: 9780670010929
Teaching Resources:
Curriculum Guide (pdf)
Interview with J.C.Phillipps
Themes: Ninjas, Self-Expression, Talents, Encouragement, Improvisation, Mentoring, Teaching, Vocation, Call, Learning, Skills, Belonging, Grandparents, Support, Gifts, Adventure
Wink really wants to be a Ninja, infact the happiest day in his life was when he was accepted into Ninja school and goes under the tutor-ledge of Master Zutsu who trains the students to be good little Ninjas.
The lessons include Stealth, Silence and Camouflage, things that Wink seems to find difficult yelling “look at me” and “yahoo!” during the lessons as well as wearing very non-Ninja costumes which seem to anger Master Zutsu enough to send Wink home.
Each time Wink heads home depressed his grandmother greets him and encourages him while she shares some wisdom with her grandson and offers to take him to the circus that is touring.
Wink never gives up though, even though it seems that he can never seem to get things quite right, it’s really hard to be known as a great Ninja if you have to be stealthy and stay hidden, and Wink really wants to be noticed and encouraged, he seems to love entertaining.
One day after being sent home from school Wink bumps into a young boy practicing some acrobatics, Wink gives the boy some tips and gets the appreciation and applause of the boy’s family and they become friends. Wink visits the family a number of times before he decides to tell the world who he really is and what he believes he is called to…
And this time he will be noticed.
This is a great story for families to read together, the simple cut out paper illustrations are both fun, bright, evocative and colourful, the expressions on the characters are simply priceless while the Ninjas are adorable and Wink is absolutely priceless.
You’ll forgive the almost predictable ending because of the way that the story is told and because you’ll simply fall in love with Wink, the impressive, fun, colourful, loud and encouragable Ninja.
A Wink sequel will be out in March 2011, so you can look forward to continuing the journey then!
My Rating: 
About djwright
