"Dad, I want to be a ninja!"
My son said that when he was 4 years old. It seems that ninja games were popular at nursery schools, and even at home, they imitated throwing shuriken every night and rolled forward on tatami mats, and the whole house was already in a dojo state.
At that time, a ninja picture book that I casually picked up at the library changed the time between parents and children. After reading a picture book, "ninja training" always begins, I also went back to my childhood and chased after him and ninja play 。 It was an irreplaceable time that blew away the fatigue of work.
This time, we will introduce 21 "ninja picture books" by age that will deepen the bond between parents and children. No matter how old you are, we will tell you all the charm of each work in a picture book with an attractive ninja theme.
Why is it a ninja picture book now?
The existence of ninjas is magical to children. Ninjas that many children are obsessed with 。 They fly through the sky, climb walls, and hide in the shadows—their longing for superhuman abilities allows their imagination to run wild.
But that's not the only charm of ninja picture books.
Effort and training Because these elements are naturally woven into the story, the importance of "working hard" is conveyed without being intrusive. The appearance of repeatedly trying even if you fail, the scene of cooperating with your friends, and the mind that does not give up towards your goal - these things will quietly take root in children's hearts through picture books.
As those of us in the printing industry, we know the value of "leaving behind". The stories left behind in the form of picture books bring new discoveries every time you read them, create conversations between parents and children, and eventually become memories that will last a lifetime. I would be happy if this guide could help you meet such a book.
For 0-3 years old|First ninja picture book
(1) "Origami Ninja" with itching, written by Origami× A picture book full of ninja play and transformation
Origami Ninja is an adventure picture book in which you transform into a bird or dinosaur with origami paper and search for the treasure of "Azuki Castle". The scene where the princess fights with Japanese sweets continues to be unique and heartwarming.
How to fold origami is also published in the picture book, and there is a gimmick that allows you to actually play origami while reading.
It encourages children's creativity and fingertip development, and at the same time, it is full of ninja excitement called "transformation".
It combines the fun of finding pictures and origami, and is a structure that parents and children can enjoy in a participatory manner.
Transform more and more by folding! The quick transformation unique to ninjas is fun, and it is popular as a rare picture book that combines story and craft. Reader reviews also praise the time spent playing with the family while advancing the story.
Po Chip
(2) "Ninjabento" Ryo Kisaka, written by Satoshi Iriyama, illustrated | A book where you can enjoy ninja pretend and food education
It is a picture book in which the three Ninja onigiri brothers collect various side dishes that go into their lunch boxes with "Ninjamura" and engage in fun ninjutsu. Ninjas make asparagus bacon, fried shrimp, croquettes, etc. using ninjutsu techniques to make the lunch box more and more lively.
Rhythmic text, cute illustrations, and a structure that allows you to naturally remember the names of ingredients and side dishes in your lunch box while playing ninpo
The onomatopoeia and ninja-like phrases are repeated at a good tempo, and the fact that you can memorize the names of ingredients and dishes while playing with small children is especially popular in parent-child introductions. The simple story has mini-game elements, making it ideal for children from kindergarten to junior high school. It is a fun book that can also be an opportunity for reading and food education.
Po Chip
(3) "Onigiri Ninja" by Yuka Kitamura|Familiar food becomes a ninja!
The rice ball becomes a ninja and overcomes a pinch with a mysterious technique - a book that shines with such a unique idea. Since familiar food is the main character, even toddlers can quickly feel familiar.
The illustrations, which make new discoveries every time you look at them, are excellent, and are full of gimmicks that parents and children can enjoy while talking to each other, "How do you hide this time?" Since it is a simple repetitive structure, it is less burdensome to read aloud and is also useful for putting you to sleep.
At home, we had a lot of fun talking about "onigiri ninja" at the dinner table, and when we were making lunch boxes, the conversation naturally increased. It also triggers children to become interested in food, and questions such as "Can I become a ninja too?" I think it's a really good picture book as an entrance to cultivating imagination.
Po Chip
(4) "How to do it" Mikijiru and work|Ninja of the sea that is too unique
As you read, a lot of puns come out, and laughter naturally comes out. It is a work that not only children but also adults can enjoy while putting in tsukkomi, "Is there such a ninjutsu?"
It is a story about a squid ninja who uses mysterious techniques to go on an adventure in the sea. The colorful and humorous illustrations are in charge of Mr. Kohei Ono, and the rhythmic sentences are written by Mr. Mikiru.
After reading this picture book, children often imitate "Squid Ninja" and make unique movements, which is sure to bring smiles to the faces of the whole family. Even during bath time, I played while shouting, "How is it!", and I was able to have an even more fun time in my daily life. It is especially recommended for children who like to play and elementary school students who like ninjas.
Po Chip
(5) "Ninjaja!" Yoshiro Okamoto|Experiential picture book full of gimmicks
The chase between the ninja and the lord unfolds at a good tempo, and the children are sure to be fascinated by the appearance of the ninja who hides after searching for it many times. In return, there are ninja tools and a secret maze, which can be spread out for play after reading to the story.
The sleeping lord's treasured little mage has been stolen! In the chaotic castle, the servants desperately search for the ninja. You will be attracted by the lightness and skill of ninjas who run through tiled roofs, hide themselves with cloaks, and use all kinds of ninja tools. In addition, the words are repeated with a rhythm like a song, and it is a picture book that both readers and children can enjoy in a relaxed manner.
It is a picture book that will excite you about the variety of ninja moves and techniques, and will be an opportunity to play ninja. My son was reading it with great enthusiasm during the ninja boom. A picture book that you can read aloud, read, search, laugh, and play with parents and children to have fun together. After reading it, I asked the whole house, 'Where is Ninja? The search begins. I like the good tempo and search element that makes parents addicted. Another point is that you can play together in the maze at the end of the book.
Po Chip
(6) "Kamuninja Comes!" by Iroha / Usami Tamae Picture|A food education picture book that you can chew and eat happily
The third installment of the "Kamuninja" series written by Iroha and illustrated by Usami Tamae. The main character, Kamuninja, happily teaches you the importance of chewing and eating "30 bites" well according to the rhythm.
The story begins when Taa-kun hurriedly eats his favorite carrot steamed bread and chokes it in his throat. "Kamuninja" comes up there! He teaches you the art of ninpo rhythm that teaches the importance of "biting". The biggest feature of this picture book is that it contains rhythmic words and songs (Kamuninja no Uta "Kamu Kamu Melody 3"). It is fun to help children develop the habit of chewing well naturally.
Parents and children ride the rhythm together while reading aloud and enjoy mealtime - it is a food education picture book that combines "play" and "learning". In my house, after reading this picture book, I started eating while humming "Chewing Melody", and naturally developed the habit of chewing well. I feel that this is an ideal book that combines the theme of ninja, which children love, and the "food education" that parents want to convey.
Po Chip
(7) "Acorn Ninja" by Tooru Asanuma | Learn to interact with nature
The story of an acorn ninja in the forest who goes on an adventure with his friends. It teaches us the importance of cooperation in nature.
They are also interested in forests, rivers, and animals, and are ideal for families who like to play outside. It is a structure that allows parents and children to confirm the fun of cooperating with each other.
A work that makes you think about contact with nature through picture books. It is a book that makes you want to go out to the forest with your family. In fact, after reading this picture book, I started going to pick up acorns in my neighborhood satoyama, and I had more time for parents and children to feel the change of seasons.
Po Chip
For 4-5 year olds|Ninja picture books that foster a sense of adventure and courage
(8) "Ninja Tsubame Maru" Mayumi Ichikawa|A masterpiece that makes you feel the bond of family
A very ordinary family was actually a ninja family... The setting that expands children's dreams is attractive. It is a story that depicts courage and effort at night training and athletic meets, and it is impressive to see the whole family working hard.
Parents and children naturally spend more time imagining "what if they were ninjas" and deepen family conversations.
When I read this picture book before the sports day, my son motivated me by saying, "I'll do my best like a ninja!" It's a masterpiece that effortlessly conveys family bonds, courage, and hard work. For those of us who value "family stories" at MY STELLA, the values of this picture book were very relatable.
Po Chip
(9) "Tenori Ninja" by Machi Yamada and illustrated by Mika Ichii|Ninja training begins with parents and children
A story about an adventure of a small hand-ridden ninja. Since it is drawn in a size that fits easily in the hands of a toddler, the feeling that "I can become a ninja myself!" naturally arises.
The simple explanation of the technique is also a point that parents and children want to imitate. You can play as if you were the main character, the ninja, so the communication between parents and children will be surprisingly active.
My son started training in the room as if he had become the main character's ninja. Parents and children chase each other, and ninjutsu tournaments are now held every night. Because I move my body well, I can fall asleep better and kill two birds with one stone. I didn't expect that a picture book would spread so much play.
Po Chip
(10) "Wanpakudan's Ninja Go" Yukino Yumiko|The definitive version of adventure fantasy
Ninja edition of the popular series. It is an adventure fantasy in which children who have traveled back in time help the princess, and it is characterized by a structure that is easy to connect with actual play.
It is said that after reading it, it is said that the ninja game always begins, and it is easy to develop into a play. The development tickles the adventurous spirit, and the father returns to his childhood.
Seeing my son playing ninja in his room while shouting, "Help the princess!" made me feel tired from work. A picture book that will give parents and children an opportunity to have an adventure. Ninja games have become a staple in parks on holidays, and other parents and children are also involved in the excitement.
Po Chip
(11) "Dojinja" by Tomohiko Fujimoto, illustrated by Emiko Murata|Cultivating a heart that is not afraid of failure
A humorous picture book that depicts a ninja who is always failing and tries again and again. It has a strong comedic element and naturally conveys the message that failure = growth.
It is interesting to spend time with parents and children to think about strategies together, "How can I succeed?" The gap between being a ninja and doji grabs the hearts of children.
The child was encouraged, saying, "It's okay for me to fail too!" A picture book that can make you laugh and be positive. In modern parenting, where perfection is too demanding, I think this message of "it's okay to fail" is really important.
Po Chip
(12) "Nin-Nin-Jin-no-Ginsengja" Uedashigeko|Adventure picture book full of humor
It is a fun story with vegetables and food characters such as tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms appearing, and interweaving play.
The main character is a naïve ninja who is lazy and just playing. The lord orders him to play an important role in finding the master of the sword, Shiitakekenshi, but he has a series of failures and a humorous adventure.
And this is also a picture book with a lot of puns that makes you smile. Are ninjas and puns compatible? The rhythmic and easy-to-talk writing style is perfect for parents and children to read aloud. It is full of wordplay and puns, and is perfect for improving vocabulary and creating laughter in reading aloud. It is a series and can be enjoyed as the first ninja picture book. After my son started reading, he started to say puns a lot. The characters of the no-no-no-ninja are interesting, and the reading makes you feel bright. It's fun to read in unison as a family
Po Chip
(13) "Ninja Santa" Seiji Maruyama|A picture book that runs through Christmas with the technique of Ninja
It is a story about Ninja Santa, who trains as a ninja every day on Christmas Eve without neglecting his training, runs, jumps, and uses ninjutsu to deliver gifts to children.
Ninja Santa depicts a new kind of Santa Claus image of throwing, hiding, and limping, quickly carrying gifts so that they are not found. With rhythmic sentences and dynamic illustrations, it is perfect for attracting children's interest and reading aloud.
Starting with the training scene of Ninja Santa, the group gathers on Christmas Eve when the handbell rings, and goes out into the city at night, which skillfully combines the speed of the ninja and the excitement of Santa. Mr. Maruyama's colorful and humorous pictures are also an attractive book.
This picture book is a novel combination of ninja and Santa, perfect for children and families to enjoy a special night of Christmas. It brings a fresh breeze to the usual image of Santa Claus, creating a Christmas full of humor and dreams.
Po Chip
For 6 years old to elementary school students|Ninja picture books that stimulate intellectual curiosity
(14) "Ninja Garlic Maru" Makoto Kawabata|Vegetable Ninja's Exhilarating Rescue Drama Picture Book
Makoto Kawabata's picture book "Ninja Garlic Maru" is the first work in "Vegetable Shinobi Retsuden". It is a story about Garlic Maru, the god of the blue sky and clear sky, who goes to save Princess Tobiko, who has been swept away by the lord of Kurokumo Castle, Yakumo Annosuke.
Garlic Maru is a skilled ninja who engages in a fierce confrontation with the enemy ninja, the powerful Menzo, in order to save the princess. The fight is fast and sharp, blending ninja action with the fun of the vegetable-inspired characters.
Mr. Kawabata's humor and tension are perfectly balanced, and the content draws children into the world of ninjas. By featuring vegetable characters, elements that naturally lead to food education and health awareness are included as you read on.
The pictures are powerful and vivid, and the dynamism of the ninja action is easily conveyed, making it suitable for reading aloud. This book is recommended for ninja lovers and adventurous children.
Po Chip
(15) "Ninjan Ninja" Yutaka Nakagaki|Illustrated picture book to learn the secrets of ninjas while playing
The charm of this book is that you can naturally learn about the history of ninjas and the mechanics of ninjutsu between fun stories. It's like exploring a ninja mansion, with new discoveries every time you turn the page. The detailed illustrations are full of ingenuity that you will never get tired of looking at it over and over again.
It combines easy-to-understand language and humorous pictures, so it is a book that parents and children can read aloud as well as elementary school students can enjoy reading it alone.
While introducing the charm of ninjas from multiple angles, this is a picture book that deepens knowledge with a sense of play. I think this work is perfect for children who love ninjas, as well as families who want to balance learning and play.
Po Chip
(16) "Ninja Ninjuro" Katsuhiko Funazaki|A childhood fairy tale depicting ninja training and family ties
One day, Ninjuro returns home from a ninja school and realizes that his parents are nowhere to be found. "This is a trick to test yourself!" - Realizing this, he takes on various tricks and trials set up in the mansion.
The writing is easy for young children to understand, and gently conveys not only the fun of the ninja world, but also the importance of family bonds and hard work and growth. It is a book that can be enjoyed by parents and children with a size and number of pages suitable for reading aloud.
Kazuyoshi Iino's powerful and warm paintings vividly depict the growth of the cucumber. The setting of "being tested by parents" is a story that evokes in the child's heart a feeling that "I want to be recognized too" and naturally wants to support him.
After my son read this picture book, he began to say, "Dad, I want to challenge myself!" It is a work that is easy to develop into play, such as making a simple obstacle course in the house and doing "ninja training".
Po Chip
(17) "Akaninja" Hiroshi Homura|A picture book of exhilarating nonsense of a red ninja that stands out too much
The main character is a bright red ninja. He sneaks into the castle for the secret scroll, but is quickly found because of its red appearance.
The cornered red ninja casts a spell called "Dron Drone" and transforms one after another! However, the transformation destination is also all red—a red crow, a red butterfly, and finally a red uncle, which is very popular with children.
Rather than a ninja-like covert action, it is a fun story colored with nonsense and laughter. The rhythmic reading and repeated spell "Dron Drone" are easy to stick in your ears, and it is a book that will make both children and adults laugh involuntarily.
In our house, after reading this picture book, it has become a standard for my son to run around the house shouting "Dron Drone!" It is also a fun time for parents and children to have a prediction battle with "What will they transform into next?" It's easy to develop into a family event, such as posing and taking pictures together.
Hiroshi Homura's poetic rhythm of words and Tatsuro Kiuchi's vivid and stylish paintings are perfectly combined. The imagination of the color "red" will gradually nurture children's imagination.
Po Chip
(18) Izumi from "Suppon Ponnosuke"|A cheerful boy fighting a ninja naked
Naked after bathing is the best! "Suppon no Suke" is a picture book with such an energetic boy as the main character.
In order to help Mii-chan, a kitten who has been swept away by ninjas, he runs around the town without wearing pants and kicks the ninjas away—the exhilaration of which captures the hearts of the children. Rhythmic and fun writing and Ryoji Arai's unique and tasteful illustrations are perfectly combined. It is a book that involves both adults and children in reading aloud, and it is a book that makes you smile.
As a symbol of children's free imagination, the sight of them adventuring naked and freely gives them energy. The series is also available, so if you like it, be sure to pick up the sequel.
After reading to him at home, it became a standard sight for my son to run around cheerfully imitating "Suppon no Suke!" It feels like the time after the bath has turned into adventure time. Ryoji Arai's unique drawings vividly color the world of the story, and the rhythmic words remain in the ears - there is a mysterious charm that naturally raises the tension of parents who read aloud.
A popular work that has gained a lot of support since its publication in 1999. It can be recommended as a ninja picture book or an energizing picture book for a wide range of situations.
Po Chip
Latest work/extra edition
(19) "Ninjainu Taro" Yoko Watanabe|Ninja Dog and Boy's Exciting Ninja Training Picture Book
Won the 41st Kodansha Picture Book Newcomer Award. At the house of the main character, the boy Kenta, a suspicious dog "Ninjainu Taro" comes to the house with a furoshiki on his back and a shuriken pattern on his forehead. Taro says that he is looking for his lord, the "lord", and goes on a journey to find the lord and ninja training with Kenta - such an exciting adventure story.
The stage of the story is Kenta's house, which turns into a ninja mansion. The ninja's training and great adventures are depicted in a fun way, and the exciting development continues to be perfect for reading aloud.
The vibrant watercolors and the gentle touch of colored pencil drawings color the story and capture the imagination of children. The careful depiction unique to the Kodansha Picture Book Newcomer Award-winning work and the warm world view are attractive.
Even in our house, after reading this picture book, the "tarot game" always begins. "Where is the lord?" and searching around the house, or pretending to be a stuffed animal as a ninja dog - this is a work that naturally expands from picture books to play.
Everything is written in hiragana, so if you are in the lower grades of elementary school, you can read it yourself. It is also recommended as a book that gives you the sense of accomplishment that you were able to read it yourself, which leads to confidence in reading.
Po Chip
(20) "The World from the Perspective of Ninjas" Genichi Mitsuhashi, text, Kazuyoshi Iino, illustrations|Exploring real ninjas from the nature and daily life where shinobi actually lived
This is a non-fiction picture book that approaches the "real ninja image" through the real life of Iga, not the ninja depicted in anime and novels, but by the author who has repeatedly studied academic research and ninjutsu training. Ninjas were closely connected to life in nature, such as farming, hunting, and chopping firewood every day, and made it their top priority to "survive to bring back information." Ninjutsu and weapon techniques were born from real life and the environment, and the way of walking in the fields and using tools developed into ninja skills.
The rationality and power to live behind the work and techniques of ninjas are conveyed through documentary-style narrative and powerful illustrations.
Published as the September 2025 issue of "Many Mysteries", a science picture book that nurtures children's curiosity and inquisitiveness.
Ninjas are not just fighting specialists, but skills and ingenuity are born from their daily steady lives - it is full of such new perspectives. This book is perfect for families who want to convey the "true appearance of ninjas" to their children, and for parents and children who want to expand their interest in history and profession.
Po Chip
(21) "Ninja Rallyman" Seiji Maruyama|Ninja office worker work comedy picture book
It is a humorous picture book in which ninja office workers "Ninja Rallymen" cause a big uproar over the dream product "Ninja-kun! Set" developed by the company. The "Ninja-kun! Set" is a new product that includes four tools that anyone can become a ninja. However, before they could be happy about the completion, they were stolen by thieves, and the Ninja rallymen worked together to catch a big catch.
The humorous ninja company scene, fast-paced and fun action, and the idea of a ninja × work are fresh
There is a depiction of teamwork that everyone works together to overcome failures and pinches, and the content can be read while parents and children laugh out loud.
It is supported by many readers as it is exciting at childcare sites and storytelling events.
Seiji Maruyama himself commented, "It's interesting without reason!", and it is an ambitious work that delivers a new idea of "working ninja" to modern children. "Ninja Rallyman" is a picture book by Seiji Maruyama, and the main characters are ninja salarymen who work in the company = "Ninja Rallyman". They develop a new product "Ninja-kun! Set" that makes their dream of "becoming a ninja" come true, but the product is stolen by a thief, and the company challenges a big catch. It is a picture book with a new sensation that develops at a good tempo and combines humorous work comedy and ninja action.
Po Chip
3 points to consider when choosing a ninja picture book
1. Choose age-appropriate content
For 0-3 year olds, we recommend simple stories with a lot of repetition, for 4-5 year olds, we recommend stories with adventure elements, and for 6 years old and up, we recommend works with knowledge and mystery-solving elements.
However, this is only a guideline. Children's interests and developmental stages vary greatly from person to person, so even if you think this book is a little difficult, if your child is interested, please try it.
2. Is there an element that spreads to play?
The biggest attraction of ninja picture books is that they develop into "play" after reading. Hide and seek, chase, and transform play - choosing works that lead to actual play from picture books will enrich parent-child time.
Mystera's picture books also aim to be picture books that "something begins after reading" rather than "reading and ending". The experience of children becoming the main characters is sure to be an opportunity for the next play or adventure.
3. Whether the content is enjoyable for parents
Reading to them every night, to be honest, there are times when you are tired. However, if the picture book is interesting for the parents themselves, that time will turn into joy instead of pain.
The trick is to choose works that are humorous, stimulate adults' intellectual curiosity, or have a message that resonates with them—the trick is to choose works that parents can enjoy together.
Parent-child time that spreads from ninja pretend and picture books
Not only do you read picture books, but how do you spend your time afterwards? This increases the value of picture books many times over.
Move your body while playing ninja
After reading, please try to become a ninja together. Imitating throwing shuriken, climbing walls, disappearing into smoke - children's imagination is limitless.
Challenge yourself with handmade ninja goods
I made shuriken out of origami and made a sword out of newspaper. At MY STELLA, we make personalized picture books that make use of printing technology, but the warmth of handmade things that can be done at home is also irreplaceable.
"What if I were a ninja?"
"If your dad were a ninja, what kind of technique would you use?" From such conversations, you can see the child's values and dreams. The subject of ninja is a magical tool that naturally brings out the dialogue between parents and children."
Summary: A picture book may change a child's future
How did you like 17 ninja picture books?
In my work in the printing industry, I have always thought about the value of "preserving". The thoughts contained in a piece of paper, the experience created by a book—sometimes it has the power to change your life.
When my son said he wanted to be a ninja, I learned together through picture books the importance of hard work, cooperation, and not being afraid of failure. And above all, the time spent laughing, sweating, and talking with parents and children became irreplaceable treasures.
It is because of the same idea that MY STELLA is making "picture books in which children are the main characters". I hope that a single book will develop a child's self-esteem, deepen family bonds, and encourage them to take a step towards the future - such an experience to as many families as possible.
We hope you can find the perfect ninja picture book for your home. And I hope that one book will be a trigger for a wonderful time for parents and children.
