The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear

This comic bookâstyle story features three amiable characters who challenge each other to a series of contests only to realize that "no one had to be the best. They were each special and uniqueâjust like you and me." Leung's action-filled, brightly-colored illustrations, which have a burnished, wood-grain quality, seem ready-made for animation. With style and humor, the collaborators show how the bear's strength allows him to build a higher rock pile than the ninja, the cowboy's "precision and accuracy" allows him to pick more raspberries than the bear, and the ninja's agility allows him to catch more rabbits than the cowboy. The simple story about accepting one's gifts also provides the basis for a game featuring the three characters, which is described at the end of the book. A variation of "rock-paper-scissors," the game does not rely on hand signals, but encourages children to use full body play as "ninja beats cowboy," "cowboy beats bear," and "bear beats ninja" (an online version of the game is also available, but seems like scant fun compared to striking bear and ninja poses). Ages 4â7.

December 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 2-This fable stars three very different friends: a ninja, a cowboy, and a bear. They usually get along well, but then one day a disagreement erupts. Each one believes that he is the best. To prove this, they compete in rock piling, raspberry picking, and rabbit catching. Since a different character wins each one of these competitions, they all feel unsatisfied and part ways to reflect upon the day. All three reach the same conclusion: each is unique and special in his own way. Thus, their friendship is restored. Readers can take the story a step further with the Ninja Cowboy Bear Game, which is strongly reminiscent of Rock Paper Scissors. The digital-cartoon illustrations are set in comic panels; the art and the occasional Japanese word bubble give the story an anime feel. A fun purchase with a solid message."Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
Ninja, cowboy, and bear make up contests "to decide who was better." They stack rocks, pick raspberries, and catch rabbits; frustratingly, each challenge yields a different winner. Only time spent apart helps the friends appreciate one another's talents. Anime-inspired illustrations effectively reflect the shifting friendships of the little-boy stand-ins. A rock-paper-scissors-like game--"Ninja Cowboy Bear"--is included.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)