Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Be Noticed
on Goodreads (863)
What’s inside...
The happiest day of Wink's life was when he was accepted to the Summer Moon School for Young Ninjas. He is sure that he will be a great ninja. Silence is the first lesson and everyone is very silent except for Wink. Stealth is the second lesson and everyone is very stealthy except for Wink. Finally, Wink decides that he will be silent and stealthy, but no one notices. He wonders what the point of being a great ninja is if no one notices and doubts if he was meant to be a ninja. This daring debut is an adventure-lover's dream.
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Wink
Master Zutsu
Discussion points
Why do you think Wink wanted to be noticed, and how did he feel when he wasn't?
What are some ways Wink tried to blend his ninja skills with his desire to perform?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from others? How did you handle it?
What did Wink learn about being true to himself by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, use a gentle and open tone to encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts freely.
Relate Wink's experiences to real-life situations your child faces at school or in social settings to make the discussion more relevant.
Highlight the importance of embracing and celebrating everyone’s unique talents and personalities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: Wink, the protagonist, breaks away from the traditional ninja norm of silence to express himself freely.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their unique qualities and express their true selves in various environments, whether at school or home.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Despite facing challenges for being different, Wink continues to pursue his passion for performance, ultimately finding a place where he can shine.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and continuing to work towards their goals, even when faced with obstacles.
Example Lesson: Finding one's niche
Explanation: Wink discovers his true calling is in performance, showcasing that sometimes talents can be found outside conventional paths.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore different activities and interests to discover what they truly enjoy and excel at.
Example Lesson: Respecting diversity
Explanation: Wink's story highlights how his unique traits are eventually embraced by others, promoting diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: The power of creativity
Explanation: Wink uses his creative skills to solve problems and express himself, turning his performances into opportunities.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use creativity in problem-solving and expressing their thoughts and feelings effectively.