Hensel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks

Another book in the ninja fairy tales series by Schwartz, Gomez, and Santat is another winner as a read aloud. Based on the fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, with its own unique twist, the book is a whole load of fun for young ninja fans (and face it who isn't?) Hensel and Gretel are two young hens who have lost their mother to the fox already and have taken to protecting their home and their father. But when they return from the dojo to find their father missing and the house a mess, the set off into the forest to find him. After their trail of breadcrumbs disappears and the hens become lost in the forest, Hensel loses her sense just long enough to become a captive of the fox. But Hensel isn't giving up and neither is Gretel, and using their ninja skills they are just bound to come out on top. Writing stories like this in rhyme can be a challenge. For an action-packed story like this its important for the words to flow smoothly to keep up the pace. The text here does just that making for a delightful read aloud. The text is also presented in such a way as to show the reader just where to read slower versus faster, louder versus softer for just the right effect resulting in a fun storytime experience for everyone involved.

We are huge fans of the previous two ninja books by Schwartz and Santat, so I was thrilled when I discovered a few months ago that a third book was on its way. This book lived up the high expectations we had for it. As with the previous two ninja books, the rhyme scheme of Nina Chicks makes it so enjoyable to read aloud. The English teacher in me loves the rich vocabulary used (disarray, tussle, dismayed, and unnerved are just a few) and the clever chicken references ("Watch out!" Papa cried. "You'll be chicken-pot-pied!"). Of course, I also love the overarching theme that connects all three books: "Get Empowered Not Devoured" (as seen on the sign outside the 3 Pigs Dojo on the second page of this book). This is another big hit (pun intended) for Schwartz, Santat, and now Gomez.

This is s fun story. My grandkids love the whole 3 book series. Ordered a used book and it was in very good condition and wort the price.

I ordered this book for my best friends baby, as we are trying to help fill out his bookshelf with fine literature. Also we have chickens, and I felt this was a good primer for him to learn about interacting with chickens. I read through parts of the book, and found myself laughing and truly enjoying the silliness. An excellent children's book, and one I will probably read to my chickens as well.

As a martial arts teacher I wanted to introduce my daughter to marital arts in an... organic way, at a young age. She was born a week ago today, but it’s never to early to start brainwashing... I mean reading to her in order for her to become aware of martial arts. This book is phenomenal, along wth the entire ninja series by these two! The stories are so fun and read fast, and the illustrations are fantastic! I highly recommend this book to all!

The boys really liked it as they had another book by the same author. I love these books that play on old favorites.

I had already read The Three Ninja Pigs, so was anticipating that Hensel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks would be marvelous as well. The limericks create a sense of urgency and movement, and that final, longer line with its rhyming echo back to the first two lines lends a punch to each page. I think I like the palette of Ninja Pigs better, and the crisper lines, but I am still delighted with this fractured fairy tale.

This is such a fun book, with a great storyline and illustrations to match. Our grandsons, ages 2 to 10, enjoyed the fun story from beginning to end. I know it will be read over and over and enjoyed for many years. The twist of the traditional "Hansel" to "Hensel" because of the chicks in the story was a neat addition.

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Cute book, full of girl power and clever rhymes!