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Ninja Life Hacks #18
Masked Ninja
A Children’s Book About Kindness and Preventing the Spread of Racism and Viruses.
Through a child's eyes, the world may seem chaotic with coronavirus (COVID19), masks, and social distancing. Masked Ninja explains what's going on in our current pandemic and shows us actionable steps we can take to prevent the spread of viruses and racism.
Find out what happens in this comedic book about pandemics, viruses, and kindness.
Through a child's eyes, the world may seem chaotic with coronavirus (COVID19), masks, and social distancing. Masked Ninja explains what's going on in our current pandemic and shows us actionable steps we can take to prevent the spread of viruses and racism.
Find out what happens in this comedic book about pandemics, viruses, and kindness.
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
33 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 25, 2020
A Noble Effort, But Poor Execution
I was curious about how people are handling the current virus when it comes to informing their children, so I rented this book in hopes of discovering one way. Let's just say I hope this isn't the method used by most, because it honestly isn't very high quality. The art is a bit plain, in my opinion, and the Kindle version doesn't allow double tapping to zoom text so it's incredibly difficult to read, but those are actually less problematic than the actual content (and I mean that in the traditional sense, not the social justice sense).
To start, there's an extremely unhelpful explanation of what masks are: "Masks are surgical masks that doctors wear." Wow. Masks are masks? You don't say! This isn't even accurate, because people who aren't healthcare professionals or immunocompromised individuals aren't supposed to be wasting surgical/medical supplies in the first place. Then it shows a ninja whose mouth is already covered by their ninja hood asking why another is wearing a (surgical) mask and being told it's for protection. Okay, but... the ninjas' masks already sufficiently cover their faces. Are they trying to die of suffocation? This surely will confuse kids because the faces are already covered - and it continues throughout the entire story, where every ninja without a mask still has their hood covering their face... yet somehow can still get virus particles and spread them, make a mess when sneezing, and have a thermometer in their mouth. I'm sorry, what?! Is that supposed to be their face randomly the same colour as their ninja outfit?? Very odd and confusing.
Beyond that, the book uses words not suitable for the age of children the art seems aimed at - pandemic, CDC, WHO, literal Chinese writing which the English-speaking audience will likely not understand (and which have no pronunciation guide, so it isn't an educational moment), etc. and gets too political by telling kids to only trust their doctor, the CDC, and the WHO instead of the internet or television. It doesn't even mention trusting one's parents, which just seems like a way to make parenting in the pandemic a little more difficult.
Then at the end it randomly tacks on something about never blaming others for the virus. It's clearly meant to be against the bullying of Asian kids, particularly Chinese ones, but it's too brief and lacks nuance so it just seems heavy handed and ridiculous (and unlikely to make sense to children). All the sudden it goes from how to stop spreading viruses to how to stop spreading viruses and racism, without even explaining what the word means or why what it showed was racism, and that just makes things unnecessarily complicated.
Overall, I think this one is a dud. I don't see it being useful at all to make things less confusing for children. I'd pass on this and look for a book that better explains the pandemic and masks if you need help teaching your kid about what's going on in the world right now.
That's a shame, because what the author is attempting to do is great. The execution is just too poor.
I was curious about how people are handling the current virus when it comes to informing their children, so I rented this book in hopes of discovering one way. Let's just say I hope this isn't the method used by most, because it honestly isn't very high quality. The art is a bit plain, in my opinion, and the Kindle version doesn't allow double tapping to zoom text so it's incredibly difficult to read, but those are actually less problematic than the actual content (and I mean that in the traditional sense, not the social justice sense).
To start, there's an extremely unhelpful explanation of what masks are: "Masks are surgical masks that doctors wear." Wow. Masks are masks? You don't say! This isn't even accurate, because people who aren't healthcare professionals or immunocompromised individuals aren't supposed to be wasting surgical/medical supplies in the first place. Then it shows a ninja whose mouth is already covered by their ninja hood asking why another is wearing a (surgical) mask and being told it's for protection. Okay, but... the ninjas' masks already sufficiently cover their faces. Are they trying to die of suffocation? This surely will confuse kids because the faces are already covered - and it continues throughout the entire story, where every ninja without a mask still has their hood covering their face... yet somehow can still get virus particles and spread them, make a mess when sneezing, and have a thermometer in their mouth. I'm sorry, what?! Is that supposed to be their face randomly the same colour as their ninja outfit?? Very odd and confusing.
Beyond that, the book uses words not suitable for the age of children the art seems aimed at - pandemic, CDC, WHO, literal Chinese writing which the English-speaking audience will likely not understand (and which have no pronunciation guide, so it isn't an educational moment), etc. and gets too political by telling kids to only trust their doctor, the CDC, and the WHO instead of the internet or television. It doesn't even mention trusting one's parents, which just seems like a way to make parenting in the pandemic a little more difficult.
Then at the end it randomly tacks on something about never blaming others for the virus. It's clearly meant to be against the bullying of Asian kids, particularly Chinese ones, but it's too brief and lacks nuance so it just seems heavy handed and ridiculous (and unlikely to make sense to children). All the sudden it goes from how to stop spreading viruses to how to stop spreading viruses and racism, without even explaining what the word means or why what it showed was racism, and that just makes things unnecessarily complicated.
Overall, I think this one is a dud. I don't see it being useful at all to make things less confusing for children. I'd pass on this and look for a book that better explains the pandemic and masks if you need help teaching your kid about what's going on in the world right now.
That's a shame, because what the author is attempting to do is great. The execution is just too poor.
August 7, 2020
Informative
This book is ideal for 1 graders and up. It provided valuable facts about germs and how to control it. For most of us it is hard to wear a mask all day! However , as a preschool teacher, it matters to me that I am safe and my students are safe too during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our preschool agency reopened July 1st, Wearing a mask made me feel safe and protected. I know it could be hard for children. To wear a mask, but as a preschool teacher, having children accept the mask was much easier than teaching them to accept the stay 6 feet apart rule; they all complained, they don’t want to play alone. Wearing the mask allowed them to play together again! At least I felt they were somehow protected, of course, in addition to many measures such as frequently sanitizing....
This book is ideal for 1 graders and up. It provided valuable facts about germs and how to control it. For most of us it is hard to wear a mask all day! However , as a preschool teacher, it matters to me that I am safe and my students are safe too during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our preschool agency reopened July 1st, Wearing a mask made me feel safe and protected. I know it could be hard for children. To wear a mask, but as a preschool teacher, having children accept the mask was much easier than teaching them to accept the stay 6 feet apart rule; they all complained, they don’t want to play alone. Wearing the mask allowed them to play together again! At least I felt they were somehow protected, of course, in addition to many measures such as frequently sanitizing....
July 3, 2020
Masked and Racism, all in one book
I love the way the author intertwined both scenarios into one book. While there is a pandemic, and it is written easy enough for preschoolers and toddlers to understand, she also touched on racism. She offered a solution to the problem if it does occur. Moreover, I love the way she mentioned three organizations that people should read and follow. My daughter, who knows the degree of the situation, was able to read it and understand what to do when we are outside.
I love the way the author intertwined both scenarios into one book. While there is a pandemic, and it is written easy enough for preschoolers and toddlers to understand, she also touched on racism. She offered a solution to the problem if it does occur. Moreover, I love the way she mentioned three organizations that people should read and follow. My daughter, who knows the degree of the situation, was able to read it and understand what to do when we are outside.
July 4, 2020
For Everyone To Be Safe
I highly recommend this book for Everyone. I give it five stars for the Pandemic situation discussions and give it five stars for the Racial discussions. Thank you Mary Nhin !!!!
The storyline explains all about the virus in little kid understanding. It shows what to do with a sneeze and why you show do it. It tells where this disease came from and not to bully people about it. If the bookstores were open, this book should be out for all to read, no matter the age.
Happy Reading and Be Safe!! 😷
I highly recommend this book for Everyone. I give it five stars for the Pandemic situation discussions and give it five stars for the Racial discussions. Thank you Mary Nhin !!!!
The storyline explains all about the virus in little kid understanding. It shows what to do with a sneeze and why you show do it. It tells where this disease came from and not to bully people about it. If the bookstores were open, this book should be out for all to read, no matter the age.
Happy Reading and Be Safe!! 😷
July 3, 2020
A great book for these strange times.
This is a great read about the pandemic we are currently experiencing and teaches readers how to take precautions against the virus and protect ourselves. It even covers how we should not blame others or bully people of a particular race, but to fight the virus together and to show love and compassion toward each other. Told in a sensitive manner, and simple enough for young children to understand.
This is a great read about the pandemic we are currently experiencing and teaches readers how to take precautions against the virus and protect ourselves. It even covers how we should not blame others or bully people of a particular race, but to fight the virus together and to show love and compassion toward each other. Told in a sensitive manner, and simple enough for young children to understand.
August 6, 2020
Necessary Facts
At this time I’m history this book can help children understand what’s going on in our world. The main character experiences what we can do to help stop the spread of the Virus. Masks are the main tool but as book the accounts there are more that can be done until this pandemic gets under control. This book would be a great resource for families, and schools alike.
At this time I’m history this book can help children understand what’s going on in our world. The main character experiences what we can do to help stop the spread of the Virus. Masks are the main tool but as book the accounts there are more that can be done until this pandemic gets under control. This book would be a great resource for families, and schools alike.
June 27, 2020
Seek Cover ☺
Children can get confused by all the different and anxious words they hear daily about getting sick from viruses. Simple steps can be taken to help at home and when out in public spaces. Do your part and "put a lid on it" by wearing a mask & using good personal hygiene.
Children can get confused by all the different and anxious words they hear daily about getting sick from viruses. Simple steps can be taken to help at home and when out in public spaces. Do your part and "put a lid on it" by wearing a mask & using good personal hygiene.
July 23, 2020
could we pass this one to adults as well ... being 42 myself ... i think it is well said, kindly and easily ... pass it on ... colorful and fun. simple lesson we can all learn. "during these uncertain times" we can be extra kind, companionate, listen, learn, and try to be understanding. please. loving this series so so much
August 20, 2020
Hecking Blunt and Honest
Straight up told kids what was up and didn't pull any punches. Straight up "The virus came from China. Don't bully Chinese kids." That's badass. I even learned something new. I thought The Who was a band, but I guess the WHO is the World Health Organization. Pretty dope.
Straight up told kids what was up and didn't pull any punches. Straight up "The virus came from China. Don't bully Chinese kids." That's badass. I even learned something new. I thought The Who was a band, but I guess the WHO is the World Health Organization. Pretty dope.
July 4, 2020
Informative ninjas explain the pandemic
This book helps kids understand the pandemic with a breadth of details and tips. Good addition to other books in the collection, these ninjas don a (second) face covering and explain the importance of safety.
This book helps kids understand the pandemic with a breadth of details and tips. Good addition to other books in the collection, these ninjas don a (second) face covering and explain the importance of safety.
February 5, 2021
The more you know about Covid
Fun yet light informative book about the current pandemic. Speaks about racism practicing safety measures and implementing precautions. My kids enjoyed it.
Fun yet light informative book about the current pandemic. Speaks about racism practicing safety measures and implementing precautions. My kids enjoyed it.
August 8, 2020
Masked Ninja
This book is great for children. It teaches them that wearing a mask is to help them and others from spreading the virus.
This book is great for children. It teaches them that wearing a mask is to help them and others from spreading the virus.
Read
July 6, 2021The book's ending captures a lot of the themes covered in this brief, colorful picture book: “remembering these tips could be your secret weapon against the spread of viruses and racism.”
December 30, 2021
The best kids book I’ve read on masks and the pandemic and the only one that didn’t have something problematic and that showed a diverse group of folks/ninjas!!!
September 8, 2020
Linda historia
Muy linda historia y muy útil en estos días. Como mamá y maestra la recomiendo. A mi niño de cinco años le gustó mucho.
Muy linda historia y muy útil en estos días. Como mamá y maestra la recomiendo. A mi niño de cinco años le gustó mucho.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews