Ninja Mouse: Haiku

Dramatic haikus pair with striking illustrations as Thomas, in his first children’s book, introduces the eponymous martial artist, whose gray ears and tail poke out from his sleek black suit, twin swords strapped to his back. Digitally constructed panel sequences show Ninja Mouse posed against rocky escarpments beneath sunset-hued skies, spindly branches lit by the moon’s glow, and changing seasonal backdrops, highlighting the character’s communion with nature. The spare verses (also translated into Japanese) emphasize Ninja Mouse’s creed of mindfulness and honor, and his vow to protect the weak: “Ninja Mouse knows peace/ shuns negativity and/ drinks the universe.” When a giant serpent threatens a tiny mouse, Ninja Mouse descends, first with a peace offering for the beast—a bowl of rice (“Bending to conflict/ paths of resistance are/ always the first choice”)—followed by a necessary use of force. It’s the sole action sequence in a book otherwise devoted to moments of quiet contemplation. Valorous yet humble, Ninja Mouse is a force to be reckoned with, and his creator is a talent to watch. Ages 9–up. (BookLife)■