Kunoichi Bunny

The sun is out and the birds are chirping. It’s a beautiful day for Saya, her dad and her well-loved stuffed bunny, Kunoichi, to go to the park.

On their way, Saya stealthily stops a fight by flinging her floppy four-legged ninja-bunny between two snarling cats. Later on, on the bus, Saya throws Kunoichi under the wheels of a child’s stroller, halting its dangerous roll toward the stairs. Dad doesn't notice as Saya uses Kunoichi to save the day time and time again on their outing and on the bus home, proving small actions can have a great impact.

This wordless picture book in graphic novel format by award-winning author Sara Cassidy and illustrator Brady Sato will bring joy to every reader who believes in the magic of stuffed animals.

Sara Cassidy is a journalist, editor and author of over 15 books for young readers. Her books have been shortlisted for many awards, including the Chocolate Lily Award for both Black Gold and Blackberry Juice, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award for A Boy Named Queen and the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize, Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award and City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize for Nevers. Her poetry and short fiction have been widely published. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Brayden Sato is a Japanese Canadian illustrator who specializes in digital illustration. He developed an appreciation for visual storytelling from watching TV shows and reading manga as a child in Japan. Brayden studied visual narrative at TAD in Austin, Texas, with Pixar artist Kelsey Mann. He is the creator of the popular webcomic All That You Are. Kunoichi Bunny is Brayden’s first picture book. He lives in Canmore, Alberta.

ISBN: 9781459827806
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: March 15, 2022

“Variety in colour and structure, along with a diversity of characters, makes Kunoichi Bunny a compelling and thought-provoking read with tremendous entertainment value. Highly Recommended.”“Captivating…Sato does a brilliant job with point of view, perspective, and zoom, moving the plot along and giving it the feel of an everyday superhero story. This inviting book effectively encourages visual literacy for the youngest audience.”“Will resonate with young readers who believe their stuffies, too, can save the world…A visual, day-in-the-life adventure that can be used to stimulate literacy-rich conversations.”“Allows the reader to use their imaginations as they become the narrators of the tale…Will inspire kids as they will learn that no matter what your size you can make a huge impact on your world.”“Sato [excels] at portraying dynamic, animation-like characters…allowing easy visualization of the protagonist’s thought process through storyboard-like panels.”“A gentle, tender father-daughter excursion…The girl’s bravery reveals her as the true kunoichi of this tale.”“Saya, her family, and friends are beautiful examples of non-traditional gender roles, diversity, and inclusion. It is a perfect book for pre-readers to help tell the story of what is happening through illustrations and what might happen next.”“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.”