One morning, six young ninjas are dropped off at Dojo Daycare. As soon as their ninja moms and ninja dads have left: KABOOM! KAPOW! The ninja boys and girls push and pull, bust and break, and generally turn the place upside down in a full-blown ninja riot. Try as he might, the hapless master can’t control the kids, and the disaster plays out through lunchtime and storytime. No one heeds the master’s repeated mantra of honor, kindness and respect – until one little ninja steps up and rallies his ninja pals to undo all the damage that they have done, just in time for pickup.

Digitally rendered ninjas pop off the page in this rowdy tale. Told in rhyming verse with a lively rhythm, comic expressions, and big sound effects, Dojo Daycare makes for an unbeatably boisterous read-aloud.

Chris Tougas is a writer-illustrator who loves dogs, the great outdoors, writing fun stories and making art. He has studied art and animation in both Canada and the United States, and has worked in film animation at Disney and other studios. Chris now lives and works in Victoria, British Columbia. His previous works before Dojo Daycare and Dojo Daytrip include Mechanimals (Orca 2007) and ART SUPPLIES (Orca 2008).

Chris Tougas' profile page

• Long-listed, Nominated for the Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Willow Awards
• A Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Book for Kids and Teens
• Wyoming Library Association Buckaroo Award (nominee)
• Winner, Annual Award Winner at St. Mary's International School, Tokyo
• Winner, 2015 Bolen Books Children's Book Prize
• A Today's Parent Top Picture Book of 2014
• Long-listed, Quill & Quire Best of 2014

"The pitch perfect combination of rhythm, repetition, content, and visuals in Dojo Daycare make it an excellent choice to be read to - or by - young children."

Canadian Review of Materials

"[A] fast-paced rhyming tale ... amusing and appropriate."

The New York Times

"This lighthearted book couches important social lessons in humorous rhyme, avoiding a didactic tone while still championing kindness and sharing... This book is just right for the very young, and adults will appreciate the weary ninja Master's daily struggle."

Library Media Connection

"Tougas's energetic rhyming text is matched by his action-packed illustrations ... A fun addition."

School Library Journal

"Vigorous and energetic."

Greater Victoria Public Library

"Humour abounds from beginning to end. Subtle comic touches enhance the already funny concept of "kid ninjas" and elevate the book above similarly themed titles."

Quill & Quire

"Chris Tougas has created a fun rhyming story that will have kids wanting to act out ninja moves right along with the characters... children will be sure to be entertained."

Resource Links

"[A] rollicking read-aloud."

Kirkus Reviews