AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Five Fun Facts with about TEN CLEVER NINJAS with Sarah Floyd (Plus a Giveaway!)

Today I am delighted to be hosting children’s author Sarah Floyd as we celebrate the release of her newest picture book TEN CLEVER NINJAS, published by Clear Fork Publishing. Here’s the publisher’s description: “A very clever ninja and his nine ninja buddies spar across the countryside, build a secret hideout, and solve a sweet cupcake clue. Ki-ya! The upbeat rhythm and lively illustrations will appeal to children ages 2-6.” Sounds, adorable, right? Now, without further fuss, here are FIVE FUN FACTS about the book from the author herself.  Take it away, Sarah! 

Five Fun Facts about Ten Clever Ninjas 

by 

Sarah Floyd

1. The ninjas theme developed from my son’s passion for all things ninja.

When my son was little, he loved to dress up as a ninja—he was a ninja for three Halloweens in a row! When friends came over to play, we’d pull out the dress-up box, and other than a short Star Wars phase, ninjas always won! So, when the idea of a rhyming counting book began percolating, “ninjas” was a natural theme.    

2. The illustrator for Ten Clever Ninjas is a doctor! 

Marcin Bruchnalski practiced medicine for two years before deciding to enroll in the Academy of Fine Arts, where he devoted himself to becoming an artist instead. It’s easy to understand why his characters move in such a lifelike manner, and with such natural expressions—Marcin is both a doctor and an artist! 

3. One of the ninjas uses a wheelchair. 

Ninja #8, who rolls to the rescue in his wheelchair, was inspired by a childhood friend. He liked to be in the middle of the action and never let his wheelchair stop him from doing the things he loved. 

4. “Ki-ya” and similar sounds are part of martial arts. 

Martial artists make a loud sound called a “kihap,” defined as a spirited shout, which helps focus their energy when sparring or practicing powerful moves. That sound comes out as “ki-ya!” which is seen as a bubble of text in art in several illustrations in the book.   

5. Ten Clever Ninjas has a foundation in my own childhood.

My friends and I rambled around the woods of California, much like the ten ninjas in the story, climbing trees, building forts, and gathering new friends along the way. Our parents trusted us to be careful, smart (clever!), and come home in time for dinner (or cupcakes!).   

Thank you, Laura, for inviting me and my ten ninjas to your blog! Ki-ya!! : ) 

It has been my pleasure, Sarah! =)

Author Bio: Sarah Floyd was born in Carmel Highlands, California, where she and her friends explored, climbed trees, and built forts in the woods that surrounded their homes—much like the characters in Ten Clever Ninjas. When she was in first grade her family moved to San Francisco, and then to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She always brought her favorite books, wherever she moved, and she always found new friends who loved to read. Now she writes books for children and teens—for her, it’s the best job in the world!

Sarah is also the author of Butterfly Girl and is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Florida with her husband and teenage son, a green belt in Taekwondo. To learn more, please visit sarahfloydbooks.com

And now for the giveaway! (Thank you, Sarah!)

If you’d like a chance to win a FREE  copy of TEN CLEVER NINJAS written by Sarah Floyd and illustrated by Marcin Bruchnalski, let me know in a comment below. (NOTE: Must have U.S. address and at least 18 years old to enter.) The giveaway ends Friday 5/3/19 at 12:01 am EST. The winner will be announced that day!