• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: p to 3

The six little ninjas of Dojo Daycare and Dojo Daytrip are back for a third adventure—this time, planning a surprise birthday party for their master. Stealthy as ever, the ninja girls and ninja boys tiptoe around without a noise (or so they think) as they prepare for the celebration. Meanwhile, the master is spooked by the noises and shadows he senses around him. Is there a dragon over there? It’s a total dojo scare! Master must be more aware. He tells himself: If I use my ears and eyes, I won’t be taken by—

SURPRISE! Master gasps, then laughs and cries. He can’t believe his ninja eyes! Streamers, poppers, candles, cake—he’s delighted by the party and by the thoughtfulness of his little ninja charges. There’s even a gift: a dragon-in-the-box who pops out for one last scream.

Chris Tougas’s digitally rendered ninjas pop off the page once again in this laugh-out-loud story. Told in rhyming verse with a playful rhythm, accompanied by hilarious illustrations and big sound effects, Dojo Surprise makes for a riotous read-aloud with a kindhearted message.

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

• Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids and Teens, starred selection
• Winner, 2018 Chocolate Lily Book Awards

"This fun, silly story will entertain and amuse adults and kids alike. It would make a great addition to library and classroom collections."

Resource Links

"Uproarious...will have broad appeal as a standalone or as part of the "dojo" set. Highly Recommended."

Canadian Review of Materials

"This book will delight little ninjas everywhere and will make for a dramatic and entertaining read-aloud."

School Library Journal