Memoirs of an Elf by Devin Scillian

Spark Elf provides a first hand account of Santa's big night through his journal.  Trying to keep Santa on schedule, especially when there are cookies and dogs involved, is not easy.  When they finally arrive back home after all the deliveries, they discover they have brought along a stowaway, a dog named Tugboat. Together a plan must be put into action to get Tugboat home with his family.  In order to carry out the plan they must break some rules before Tugboat's family has a very unhappy Christmas.  

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

*Same author and illustrator team of Memoirs of a Goldfish (one of my favorites) and Memoirs of a Hamster.  

Elizabeth, Queen of the Sea by Lynne Cox

Elizabeth is a elephant seal.  But unlike other elephant seals that live in the salt water oceans, Elizabeth has chosen to live in the shallow waters of the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand.  One day Elizabeth came out of the water and ended up in the street.  Cars had to swerve to miss her.  A group decided to tow Elizabeth out to a seal colony out at sea to protect her, as well as the drivers, from a possible accident in the future.  Elizabeth had other plans.  Elizabeth headed "home" and was soon back on the warm streets near the Avon River.  Quickly Elizabeth was taken to another seal colony even farther away and again she returned home.  The next time she was towed hundreds of miles away.  The people of Christchurch felt certain they would never see her again.  They waited to see if she would show up again.  When she once again appeared in the city, it was time to take a new approach.  A fascinating true story about an amazing animal and her devotion to her home.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Tuesday Tucks Me In by

Told from the perspective of Tuesday, a service dog for a veteran of the U.S.Army, this book offers the readers a unique glimpse into the life of two very special friends.  Short text and photographs makes this book a unique read for elementary and middle school students.  Students will enjoy "spending the day" with Tuesday and Luis as they narrate their daily encounters and challenges.  See how Tuesday makes a great friend and support for Luis.  Would be excellent to be used in conjunction with a lesson on Veteran's Day.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

*As with any book, preread before sharing with students and know your audience!  Some students may have relatives in the military and have a unique perspective to add.

Snowman's Story by Will Hillenbrand

It is a cold, wintry day when a hat lands on a snowman's head.  Hidden inside that hat is a little rabbit.  The snowman reads a story to his new friends.  Soon the snowman falls asleep and the rabbit takes off with the book.  The chase is on to get that book back.  A magnificently illustrated wordless book perfect for a wintry day that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.  Love this one!

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Enjoy the book trailer here!

A Perfectly Messed-up Story by Patrick McDonnell

Louie has a story to tell.  Louie has a perfect story to tell.  BUT things keep happening to ruin his perfect story.  From peanut butter and jelly blobs, to finger prints to GASP orange juice, his story keeps getting messed up.  What can he do?  His story is ruined!  Sure to be a laugh out loud read aloud with kids as well as adults.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Take Your Mama to Work Today by Amy Reichert

Violet's babysitter is sick today so she is headed to work with Mama.  Violet is a BIG (sarcasm) help at Mama's work!  She makes sure everyone know she is there!  She gives pointers to the boss for his presentation.  She helps answer the phone in her own "special" way.  And she is able to make shredding paper very festive!  How does Mama's office survive on days when Violet is not there?  Funny text along with hilarious illustrations makes for a great read aloud for both kids and adults.  (Adults may actually find it more enjoyable.....)

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Sam & Dave Dig A Hole by Mac Barnett

Sam and Dave are on a mission.  They are going to dig a hole.  They will keep digging until they find something spectacular.  They split up and take cookies and chocolate milk breaks but are still searching for something spectacular.  Do they find that something spectacular?  That part of the story is left up to the reader, which will frustrate some readers. The ending as well as the conclusions that need to be drawn by the reader makes this book a better fit for older elementary kids (above pre-k/kindergarten).

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Ode to a Commode: Concrete Poems by Brian P. Cleary

From forks to commodes to pretzels, these concrete poems (poems that are shaped like their subjects) will have kids laughing and begging to write their own (well, maybe).  And explanation at the front will help students come up with their own ideas to create their own concrete poems.  

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole by Bob Raczka

December has arrived and the activity level at the North Pole is picking up.  Each day Santa himself writes a short poem about his day and activities, offering outsiders a small glimpse into life at the North Pole during his busiest time of year.  Short, simple, and some quite amusing, can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Students could be challenged to write a poem themselves as someone else, perhaps even Santa.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

A Chick n Pug Christmas by Jennifer Sattler

Let me begin by saying, I have been known to sit alone cracking up at these books....these two crack me up!  Chick has learned about the holiday season and wants to share JOY with everyone around him.  Sometimes in his quest to share joy, it does not always work out how he intends.  Fun holiday book to share with all ages.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Barnyard Fun by Maureen Wright

It is April 1st and the sheep, also known as the prankster, is ready to go.  Sheep plays lots of "fun" tricks on his friends, which they are not too happy about.  Then sheep saw horse.  Horse suggested to sheep that his trim might need a trim.  Sheep thinks this is a good idea.  When horse is done with sheep, sheep has quite a surprise waiting for him, much to the delight of the other animals.  Hilarious book which resulted in out loud laughs from the 6 year old at our house.  There are very few books for April Fools Day so this will be a great addition to any collection.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

I'm Going to Catch My Tail by Jimbo Matison

Cat wakes up ready for a mission:  to catch his tail.  As cat works hard to catch his tail, tail works hard to avoid being caught.  Simple, fun, silly text and illustrations, which somewhat reminded me of Jan Thomas books, will probably leave little ones with giggles.  Funny ending even left me with a chuckle.

Text:  3 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Ivan the Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate

Conversation tonight before reading this book with the 6 year old….

" A gorilla in a shopping mall?  Why would there be a gorilla in a mall?  That is mean!"

Written by the Newbery winning author of The One and Only Ivan (chapter book), comes the picture book version.   Ivan, a silverback gorilla, is taken from his home along with Burma, another baby gorilla, to Washington state.  Once there Burma dies and Ivan lives in a home until he grows too big and is moved to a mall to live.  A great companion to the chapter book or a stand alone book for younger children.  An incredible story which lends itself to many discussions about the treatment of animals in captivity.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

I Wanna Go Home by Karen Kaufman Orloff

From the team that created I Wanna Iguana and I Wanna New Room comes the newest trial of Alex.  This time Alex has been sent to his grandparents' house at the Happy Hills Retirement Community.  Alex can't believe while his parents are off on a wonderful vacation in  Bora Bora, he is stuck with grandpa's dentures, no video games, and square dancing.  Alex begs his parents to come get him, fast.  Will Alex parents make it in time?  What if he accidentally starts liking it.


Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (David Catrow never disappoints)

If you were a dog by Jamie A. Swenson

"If you were a dog, would you be a speedy-quick, lickety-sloppidy, scavenge-the-garbage, frisebee-catching, hot-dog-stealing, pillow hogging, best-friend-ever sort of dog?"

What if you were a cat?  A fish?  A bird?  What if you were a dinosaur?  With fun, unusual language explore the possibilities of being animals of all kinds.  Complimenting the text are illustrations from Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator Chris Raschka.  

And the 3 1/2 year old…..cracked up through the whole thing…..

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Mix it up! by Harve Tullet

From the creator of Press Here, comes another interactive books that kids, and adults though they may not admit it, will love.  Mixing colors and creating new colors while following the directions will have kids rolling just as they were in Press Here.  Kids will return to this book again and again, and despite knowing that they really don't have control of the changes, does not deter them from picking this book up.  

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Ladybug Girl and the Dress-up Dilemma by David Soman

It is Halloween and Lulu has a MAJOR problem, she doesn't know what to dress up as.  She assumes she will dress up as Ladybug Girl but her brother thinks she has uses that costume one to many times.  She must decide tonight so she goes through a list of possibilities.  Robot?  Nope, too big to fit through the door.  Silent movie star?  How would she ask for candy?  Octopus?  Alien?  Wallaby?  Nothing seems to be the right choice.  Then she decides to be a vampire panda!  Her brother is not very supportive of this idea!  Will Lulu find the right costume before it is too late?  A great story just in time for Halloween costume picking season.  Any Ladybug Girl fan will want to add this one to their collection.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Aw, Nuts! by Rob McClurkan

Squirrel LOVES acorns!!  He is not picky about how he eats them, he just wants them.  When he finds the best acorn and attempts to add it to his pile the unthinkable occurs.  KABOOM!!  There goes all his acorns, including his prized acorn.  He chases the acorn all over trying to get it back.  Will he get his acorn back?  Hilarious book.   Kids that will  be on the ground rolling as squirrel goes on an adventure to get back his prized acorn.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustration:  5 Buckeye leaves

If It Rains Pancakes by Brian P. Cleary

If It Rains Pancakes is a collection of fun haiku and lantern poems, including explanations of these two types of poetry.

My pet pig, Betty,
In her full karate stance,
performs the "pork chop".

A great addition to poetry collection.  Kids will enjoy the simple, funny poems with equally amusing illustrations.

Text:  5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

The Cat, the Dog, Little Red, the Exploding Eggs, the Wolf, and Grandma by Diane and Christyan Fox

Cat begins reading a very inquisitive Dog about Little Red Riding Hood.  Dog is full of questions.  Is Little Red a superhero?  She wears a cape so she must be a superhero, right?  Does she zap the wolf with a kindness ray?  Is Grandma still in the closet?  Hilarious twist on a familiar fairy tale that even older elementary students will enjoy, and probably "get the humor" better than the younger students.  Great addition to fairy tale study.

To view the trailer of this book click HERE!

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Ralph Tells A Story by Abby Hanlon

Ralph has writer's block.  It is not his fault though because nothing exciting ever happens in his life!  Ralph tries everything to come up with an idea for a story.  He even asks a classmate to help.  He in convinced he will NEVER have a story to write.  Before he knows it Ralph is standing in the front of his class, everyone waiting for HIM to read his story and he has.........NOTHING!  Luckily his friend Daisy helps him out by asking him questions and that is just what he needs to get going on his amazing story. Great book for writing workshop for those kids that just can't come up with an idea to write about.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Fly Guy's Amazing Tricks by Tedd Arnold

The Amazing Fly Guy Circus has arrived and Fly Guy and Buzz have prepared tricks to wow the crowd.  The Backstroke, the Dizzie Doozie, and the Big Booger are all performed for the crowd of friends.  Unfortunately Buzz's parents are not so impressed with Fly Guy performs the tricks at dinner and Buzz must impose a new rule on "when" Fly Guy can perform the tricks.  When a mean kid comes along and begins making fun of Buzz, Fly Guy steps in and helps Buzz out, without even knowing it.  Fly Guy fans will enjoy the newest Fly Guy and Buzz adventure.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

If you set out to make something MAGNIFICENT…..it may take time!  A little girl decides that today is the day she will make something magnificent with the help of her assistant, her dog.  But it is just not working out right.  So she tries again.  And still it is not working out.  Frustration sets in and her assistant steps in and convinces her to take time to take a walk and relax.  When the pair returns…..

Great message for kiddos as well as adults!!  Love a simple book with a great message!!  

View book trailer here!  

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves - LOVE!
Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

Brief Thief by Michael Escoffier

Leon is out and about when he needs to go….well,….POO!  Of course he has no "paper" - hate that!  Leon has to be resourceful, looking for something to help him get out of this most uncomfortable situation.  Leon is relieved when he sees a pair of underwear in the tree.  Problem solved!  He is quite pleased until……wait.  He discovers there are HOLES in them!  Darn!  He throws them only to hear a voice reprimanding him for his choice in using something that is not his!  Hilariously funny book with great surprise ending.  Kids will get a kick out of the mere fact it is well…..potty humor!

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Duck to the Rescue by John Himmelman

Pigs…..chickens…..cows…..and now…..DUCK to the RESCUE!  In John Himmelman's latest book from the Greenstalk farm duck will be the animal to save the day!  From fear of the dark to filling the need for a sitter, Duck swoops in and saves the day - sort of.  Funny illustrations keep kids entertaining and with each page the guess of how Duck will help out, or not, will engage children preschool to early elementary.  As with his other books, this will be a great read aloud for some giggles and fun!

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:   5 Buckeye leaves

Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz

A ninja trained wolf, craving meat....a little girl headed to Granny's house, with a secret...Gran with special talent.....Little Red Riding Hood, ninja style!  Another fairy tale to add to the fractured fairy tale unit which will probably be a bigger hit with the kids, especially boys, than with the adults.  Find the twists and turns that make this Red Riding Hood story unique!

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (Check endpages!!)


You tube preview click here!

Dog vs. Cat by Chris Gall

Mr. and Mrs. Button have decided to buy a pet....unfortunately neither of them knows that OTHER one is doing so.  Mr. Button comes home with a dog and the same day Mrs. Button comes home with a cat.  Since the Button's only have one room for the new pets, they must share.  Each animal arranges their side of the room.  It is quickly apparent that these two pets are quite opposite.  Dog and Cat spend lots of time trying to make the other one leave.  There is no compromise and getting along with these two pets....UNTIL a new arrival appears at the Button house.  Funny book with a surprise ending.  A closer look at the illustrations, including the end pages, will provide kids and adults with lots of laughs!

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves (Spend time on the endpages too!!)
Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

Peanut Butter & Cupcake! by Terry Border

Peanut Butter and his family has just moved to town and he is looking for someone to play with him.  His mom encourages him to go outside in search of some new friends.  Peanut Butter meets Hamburger, out walking the dogs.  Hamburger can't play so Peanut Butter continues on his way.  Peanut Butter then meets Cupcake but Cupcake is building a sprinkle-castle and declines as well.  Peanut Butter's search for a playmate continues in this way until he meets Jelly.  Maybe Jelly is just what Peanut Butter needs!  Interesting illustrations to go along with the simple text to create a story that many kids can relate to, trying to find a friend. 

Text:  3 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

PS I have read the book a couple of times....and I am still not "getting" why the title is Peanut Butter & Cupcake......I just "don't get it" so assuming I am missing something......

Boa's Bad Birthday by Jeanne Willis

It is Boa's birthday and he super excited to celebrate with his friends AND of course, see the great gifts they bring him.  Orangutan brings him an ENORMOUS gift....what could it be?  A piano!?!?!  Ummmm, but snake has no fingers!  Boa guesses the NEXT gift he receives will be better.  Monkey brings him a much smaller gift, sunglasses.  Wait.  How can Boa wear these?  He does not have a nose OR ears!  This birthday is NOT turning out how Boa had hoped....and it is not over yet.  Boa's gifts are all "rubbish" until dung beetle arrives.  What could this gift be?  Will this gift be better than the others?  Kids will be amused by Boa's books, and how impractical the gifts are that Boa receives from his friends. 

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves 

A Perfect Place for Ted by Leila Rudge

Poor Ted!  He has been at the pet store, well, FOREVER!  No one ever notices him.  Ted decides it is time to head out on his own to find a "job" that is perfect for him.  He tries the circus but that does not work out for him.  He tries a pet pageant but that does not work either.  Nothing Ted tries seems to be a good fit.  Then one day he sees a young girl placing posters up.  She is looking for a "furry friend" to be her friend.  Finally a perfect fit for Ted and his new friend, Dot.  A very sweet, simple story about fitting in and finding the perfect place for you.  I absolutely LOVE the illustrations.  A definite purchase book! 

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Fly Guy Presents: Firefighters by Tedd Arnold

Fly Guy and Buzz are off on another exciting field trip!  This time the duo are visitng the fire station.  In the latest in the NONFICTION Fly Guy books, readers will learn about the day to day activity in the fire station and when the fire fighters are on a call.  Photographs and diagrams accompany the text to make for an fact packed early nonfiction book.  A great introduction to nonfiction. 

Text:  4 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye Leaves

Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won

Elephant is grumpy.  He finds a box on his doorstep and in this box is a hat.  He can't be grumpy now and is off to show Zebra.  Zebra is grumpy too until Elephant shares part of his hat.  It continue along this way until Turtle, Owl, Lion and Giraffe also enjoy part of the hat and with each sharing of the hat, each animal is no longer grumpy.  A story of friendship for younger students with simple text.  Happy, un-grumpy illustrations to support the text.

Text:  3 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Bedtime at the Nut House By Eric Litwin

It is bedtime….parent's favorite part of the day, after it is over!  Mama Nut is trying to get Hazel and Wally to bed.  Wally and Hazel are not ready for bed and would rather do anything BUT go to sleep.  Eric Litwin, one of the original Pete the Cat duo, is sure to sing his way into the hearts of kids everywhere with his catch too.  Be sure to go to www.TheNutFamily.com

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Moonbear's Sunrise by Frank Asch

Friends Bear and Little bear are back in a new adventure.  This time the two friends are discussing the beauty of the sunrise.  Bear wishes he could see a sunrise.  He sees the moonrise every day, enjoying every second of it.  Bear determined to see the sunrise, he searches for a way to see both.  After numerous failed attempts, Bear finally is able to enjoy the sunrise.  Fans of Asch and Bear books will enjoy this latest installment.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Goatilocks and the Three Bears by Erica S. Perl

"Once upon a time there was a kid named Goatilocks."  Sound familiar?  Not Golidlocks but rather Goatilocks.  But when Goatilocks arrives at the Bears' cottage he does not just eat the porridge, he eats the spoon too.  Then Goatilocks moves on to the chairs, again eating it up, as well as the beds, another delicious meal.  When the bear family arrives home, Goatilocks takes off running.  Later feeling guilty about what had happened at the Bears' house, she brings a gift to the family.  Kids will get a kick out of Goatilocks eating everything up.  Good for preschool/kindergarten age though older kids may not find the storyline quite as funny or filled with as many creative changes as expected.

Text:  3 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

It's Okay to Make Mistakes by Todd Parr

Todd Parr is back with another lesson teaching book.  With each "mistake" - a resolution is given.  Children will quickly learn that even mistakes that seem huge can be resolved quickly and easily.  Simple text makes the book appropriate for younger audiences but can span to older kids with springboard to more advanced discussions.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Dog Days of School by Kelly DiPucchio

Charlie is NOT a fan of school.  He is just tired of it all - practicing letters, drawing pictures, just tired.  One night Charlie wishes on a star that he could be a dog and the next morning, Charlie is a dog and Norman is a boy.  For the next week Norman goes to school and Charlie lives the life of a dog.  Charlie    gets to live the life of a dog - with NO SCHOOL!  He should be ecstatic.  But is he?  Is this what he wants?  Freaky Friday meets dog and boy….

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker

Bear and Mouse are back and this time Mouse is trying to convince Bear to go to the library with him.  Bear does not see any reason why he should go to the library.  Bear has seven very nice books at his house:  three about kings and queens, three about honeybees, and one about pickles.  He does NOT need to go to the library.  Bear is quite overwhelmed when they arrive at the library.  Mouse tries to show Bear some possible books, all of which Bear declines.  But Bear overhears the librarian reading a book during story time and something very unexpected happens.  A new -  MUST BUY - for every library.  Great introduction to the library and all it has to offer for anyone, even those that like pickles.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Down by the barn by WIll Hillendbrand

Both our kids are fans of Down by the Station so it was only natural for them to love this one too!  Cute illustrations with fun farm theme will delight preschool/kindergarten kiddos and fit nicely with a farm unit.  Familiar rhythm will allow students to quickly learn the new words and enjoy making the animals sounds throughout the book.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

If I had a raptor by George O'Connor

Having a raptor would be the BEST thing ever….or at least this particular little girl thinks so.  This little girl is prepared for raptor ownership and all that comes with it.  Would a raptor really act like this?  I am very curious as to how kids might react to this book - I admittedly had higher hopes based on the cover.  The illustrations are funny and add the the humor of the book.


Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves
Text:  3 Buckeye leaves

Churchill's Tale of Tails by Anca Sandu

Churchill's most prized possession is his tail.  He is very proud of his simple, small tail.  Then one day the unimaginable happened, his tail was gone.  He must find his tail.  But no matter what he tried, nothing seemed to be the "just right" tail for him.  WIll he ever find the tail that is meant to be his?  

Text: 4Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Naughty Kitty! by Adam Stower

Lily has a problem with her pet.  Every time she leaves Kitty alone, catastrophe arrives.  Lily can not seem to figure out how this sweet little kitty could cause so many problems.  Lily knows mom is not going to be happy but what can she do?  Then a bad doggy arrives from next door.  Kitty is able to save the day and Lily realizes just *maybe* Kitty is not as bad as she thought…..

Hilarious follow up to Silly Doggy by Stower.  Lots of drawing conclusions that younger children may not be able to make without some help.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook

Check out the clothesline to see what types of jobs each individual does.  Can you guess which job the individual does before turning the page?  Told in rhyme each description allows young children (preschool age most likely) to guess the job based on the clothes as well as other "props" each has with them.  A great book for drawing conclusions as well as discussion on jobs/occupations.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

My Dad Thinks He's Funny by Katrina Germein

"I'm hungry."
"Hello, Hungry.  Pleased to meet you."

We have all heard this one before….maybe even (gasp) been the one to say it someone.  And this is just one of MANY that "dad" may have said to us before.  The boy in the story explains many of the "sayings" that he has heard from his father.  Adults will probably enjoy this book even more than kids as they realize the many they themselves have used on their own kids.  Younger kids may not understand dad's "humor" as it s a little higher level.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Ninja! by Arree Chung

This one had the 6 year old at our house from the title alone……A young child (boy though you don't know this at the beginning and could easily be a girl) is ready for a "day" in the life as a ninja.  Silently moving, ready for sneak attacks at any moment.  Illustrations/texts arranged similar to a graphic novel lends itself to more dramatic build up as the ninja moves around on the mission.  Great fun - can see it would be especially attractive to kids that are more reluctant readers as the text is limited and multiple illustrations allows for the reader to "read" through the illustrations with a more complete understanding of the storyline.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves