"FLING
SQUISH!
Kunoichi!
Saya and her dad are out for a sunny walk when she notices an altercation between two cats. Selflessly, she throws her stuffed bunny into the fray. That bunny's name is Kunoichi, the Japanese word for female ninja. It works. The two cats spring apart, and then contentedly move back together to have a good sniff at the interloper. Saya calls out, letting her dad know she needs her bunny.
On they walk to catch the bus. Once they are seated, Saya notices a young woman with her little one in a stroller climb aboard. As she reaches into her purse for payment, the stroller begins to roll toward the open door. It's Kunoichi to the rescue once again! Alertly, Dad saves Kunoichi for his young daughter. Then it's to the park where they meet their friends. While the adults talk, Saya explores. As she watches a mama duck and her ducklings waddle past, she notices one duckling tries to jump over the storm grate and falls through an opening.
Saya's quick thinking, with Kunoichi's help, has her rescuing the duckling. What superheroes they are! As happens with many superheroes, their work goes mostly unnoticed by others; that is the way they like it. One more accident averted and it's time for Dad and Saya to make their way home. Kunoichi is recovered once more, and the two catch their bus for the ride home. Kunoichi's final act of the day is to bring a smile to the face of a lonely, older woman who shares the bus with them.
As they walk back the way they came, Saya falls asleep and drops her bunny on the sidewalk. Dad notices, and saves Kunoichi once more. A quick launder and the battered bunny is ready for a bedtime snuggle and a grateful kiss from Dad.
The design, using a graphic format, is appealing for children. The story is charming from start to finish, and the pencil artwork finished digitally is exceptional. While there is the drama of the many heroic actions, the father-daughter dynamic is loving and invites careful attention. Those who share this fine picture book will find much to discuss, and will enjoy mimicking its many sounds.
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