[Update: the winners are Maki and Jennifer! Congrats!]
Today is the day!! GOOD NIGHT, NINJAS is all about shinobi-style bedtime (shinobi is another word for ninja)! This marks my 12th book, which boggles my mind.
To be quite frank, I’m a little hazy about the details of working on this book. There was a lot of fun, to be sure. Excitement about commemorating Little Kunoichi’s 10-year anniversary, without a doubt.
As always, I included a lot of Easter eggs and references to Japanese culture in the illustrations. Things like traditional Japanese snacks, nods to classic folk tales, Buddhist monk’s typical travel garb, etc. I love how the book turned out and I hope you will too!
A book launch wouldn’t be complete without a giveaway, right? 2 lucky winners will get not only a signed copy of GOOD NIGHT, NINJAS, but a copy of LITTLE KUNOICHI, THE NINJA GIRL – the story that launched my book-making way of life.
To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment of any sort. If you’re stumped for a comment idea, how about sharing a memorable dream? When I’m overwhelmed, I often dream that I’ve forgotten to attend a college class and it’s finals week. I feel enormous relief to wake from that dream and realize that it didn’t actually happen. Good dreams usually involve a big meadow and lush gardens.
The giveaway will close Friday, August 15th and I’ll announce the winner that evening! International entries are always welcome and good luck, good luck!
Congratulations on the publication of your 12th book, Sanae!
I love your illustrations and way of expressing yourself. And looking forward to seeing the references to Japanese culture, such as the snacks! Some of my fondest memories of Japan are about the food I had when I lived there many years ago. I still crave black sesame senbei!
Thank you for continuing to create children’s books that have meaning and nuance.
I love the cover of the new book.
Since I’m a grandma now I will definitely be buying this. So happy to see another amazing book! Congratulations Sanae. Hope life is amazing.
おめでといございます！12 books is a DOZEN – so amazing! I love these little ninja books – they disarm the stereotypes & sneak in little bits of Japanese culture in a fun story with beautiful illustrations! They make perfect gifts for some of my younger nephews & nieces of the heart (my biological nieces grew up on your earlier books!) – and are such fun to read over and over, each time finding new details & surprises.
Congratulations on the new book! I’ve really enjoyed all the creative content you have shared. I am working on creating some garments from your sloper classes. Thank you!
Ohh, Sanae!! Congratulations!! I’ve enjoyed reading your books so much with my girls and can’t wait for this one! 🎉
Congratulations!!! I don’t know which is more amazing – that it’s your 12th book or 10 year anniversary! Little Kunoichi was one of my kids favorites growing up – love your drawings and the way you bring in elements from Japanese culture. Will be getting this as a gift for friends with new babies. Thank you and Otsukaresama!
Congrats on your 12th book! What a feat!!!
Your books looks so fun and I love the Japanese representation. Hope to win this giveaway!
As for most memorable dreams, I have very horrible dreams when I get stressed but unfortunately they are the ones I always remember. Not fun!
やった！As a Japanese teacher who uses your books in class and for my own children, I can’t wait to have another to add to the collection. 😊 おめでとうございます！
I wish I had your books when I was a little girl!
Congratulations on your new book publication! I recently saw Sashiko’s Stiches in the featured section at my local library which made me smile.
Yay, another children’s book 🎉
My grandsons will love this one as much as the first, congratulations Sanae ❤️
It’s 2:39 AM. I can’t sleep. I must need a copy of “Good Night Ninja”… 😴
Congratulations Sanae on your new book! So happy to see Japanese referenced books for kids. Starting a collection for a future grandkid(s). 😊
Huge congrats!! Can’t wait to read it! 💚🎉
No need to enter me in this milestone giveaway, as it will be more beneficial to another reader of your blog. Cheers to you on this exciting achievement, as it’s an important acknowledgement of all you do!
Oh, what a lovely book. I love using your book Little Kunoichi the ninja girl in my classes! It would be really fun to have the other book as well. If I got both I would pass the one I have on to a friend who just had a little girl. 🙂
Congratulations on the new book! My baby and I just checked out Sumo Colors from our library and I absolutely fell in love with your art! I was so excited to see that you have so many other books out, we cant wait to start adding them to our own collection!
Where is the best place to buy your books? I mean is there a specific online store that most benefits you Sanae?
Thanks for asking, Tracy! Honestly, any bookseller is great, especially if it’s an independent store. Even requesting it from a library is wonderful. I appreciate your kindness, Tracy!