Chibi Samurai Wants a Pet by Sanae Ishida (2017)

Image source: Amazon.com

Chibi Samurai Wants a Pet by Sanae Ishida (2017) #ownvoices

by Anna HK

Little Kunoichi the Ninja Girl stars in her own book, and has the most amazing pet EVER (a stupendously, spectacularly super-duper ninja bunny!). Little Kunoichi's best friend, Chibi Samurai envies the special relationship they have, and decides to find a friend of his own. He travels all over trying out amazing pets real and imaginary, but none of them are the right fit. Just as he is about to give up, he realizes that the perfect pet has been with him all along--a stag beetle! This is a delightful little book, with lots of fun personality to read aloud in storytime. There are a couple of spreads that may need a little extra explanation, but the end of the story is clear and satisfying. I love this one!

Themes/Topics: pets, ninjas, Japan, mythical creatures, insects 

Sample text from three spreads: 

He starts at the tippy top of the island and greets a kindly monk. "Pet?"
"Check out back."
Lo and behold, Chibi finds a dazzling animal, and he can't wait to introduce his new pet. "Fantastic!"

"WOW!" [say his friends]
"So fierce! So strong! Meet Showstopper the giant salamander!"


CHOMP
"Too strong!"
"Oh no, the leash!"