(3) K-3 Little Kunoichi, her baby bro, and her bunny are getting bored during summer vacation until her parents decide that they need to visit Ba-chan, the kids' "scientist/inventor, recycling genius, cha-cha dancer, [and] artist" grandmother. From Ba-chan's island, they descend to "the Treasure Trove" to explore what's most important: "Curiosity, resourcefulness, kindness, love, [and] imagination!" The fantastical watercolor paintings are full of details about Japanese life.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) PS In the follow-up to Little Kunoichi: The Ninja Girl, readers join Little Kunoichi's best friend, Chibi Samurai, on his quest to find a pet. Both Ishida's text and vibrant illustrations contain references to Japanese culture; there's also plenty of humor as the friends encounter many creatures, real and fantastic, and eventually learn not to overlook small "treasures" (like the humble stag beetle). Japan-related facts appended.

Reviewer: Morgan Stewart

(3) PS A little ninja girl finds her training (climbing, hiding, star-throwing, nunchucks) not so easy. When she meets a little boy having the same trouble learning to be a samurai, they decide to shugyo together--train like crazy--for the upcoming Island Festival. Humor in both the lively text and colorful art adds lots of appeal to this adept lesson in perseverance.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander