One of my big regrets about Rick Felty’s books is that it took me so long to discover the three-book, early reader series on the one-eyed, brown cat Tabitha Fink. He has published one a year since 2015. I caught up, though, and the most recent work, Tabitha Fink: Ninja at Night, proves that a story told well in rhyme can bring a smile and even anticipation to adults. The unique character modeled after his family pet is pushed into the eerie situations that seemed a big deal when I was a kid. For example, to face fear of the dark. Tabitha’s mouse playmate Bartholomew Blink sees a slew of night terrors – a big furry monster, an evil witch, a dragon, some blue bears, and a smelly troll – in the lack of light, and Felty’s cyclops hero confronts her friend’s fright as a ninja with a flashlight.

Felty, who is an Emmy-winning television producer, writes prose so lyrical that the smooth word play, reminiscent of a Dr. Seuss or Shel Silverstein, pulls a reader into the tale. The Ninja at Night conflict appears so trivial, but what Tabitha struggle tugs at the memory. Before I was aware, I flipped page after page to see what happens, and found myself satisfied in the charming conclusion of the darkness dilemma, disappointed only that for more adventures of the clever cat, I might have to wait another year. As the story ends with Tabitha’s standard, “Bye,” I consoled myself with the hope for more.

Tabitha's latest adventure as a Night Ninja has been demanded every night since it entered our home. Our daughter laughs every time I read about the stinky soak eating troll. She completely connects with the mouse's fear of the dark and has had no fear of the dark since we started reading it every night. All the Tabitha Fink books should be a staple in a family's library.

Smelly Trolls and Witches and Dragons, Oh My!!!

These are the creatures that come in the night, to hide in our closets and fill us with fright. Little mouse, Bartholomew Blink, spends happy, carefree days with his friend, Tabitha Fink, a one-eyed cat. They play and nap and scamper about. But when the sun goes down and the dark settles in, Bartholomew begins to worry about what is lurking in the night. A mean, smelly troll who eats stinky socks behind the washer, a dragon with sharp fangs at the end of the hall, an evil witch hiding under the bed … these are the things that fill Bartholomew with dread. How will poor Bartholomew get past his fears?

Even in the dark, and with only one eye, Tabitha Fink can see clearly how to help her friend Bartholomew. When things get a little dark and scary, Tabitha Fink turns into a Ninja at Night, armed with her courage, her good heart and a flashlight. Make friends with your monsters and they won’t seem so scary anymore, Tabitha advises Bartholomew.

Any child who struggles with fear of the dark (and let’s be honest—some grownups too), will appreciate author Rick Felty’s clever, new twist on an age old theme. In addition to dealing with the dark, Ninja at Night teaches children kindness and empathy. “I’ve been there myself. I felt just like you,” Tabitha reassures her friend, Bartholomew. The eye-catching illustrations are precious, and the vivid, earthy colors so pleasing. The assorted “monsters” are scary, but not too scary for little ones—just right. And Tabitha Fink’s heartwarming approach to dealing with them fosters acceptance and inclusion. As in other Felty books, Tabitha Fink, with her one-eye, manages to see through what’s on the outside, right to the heart of each person (or monster).

So kids—when it gets dark, put on your best Ninja pajamas, grab your flashlights and your courage, huddle up under the covers, turn off the lights, and read Tabitha Fink: Ninja at Night. You will be glad you did! Another wonderful Tabitha Fink book. I highly recommend it!

Review by Deborah Stevenson, Author of award-winning children’s books, Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly and Oy, Elephants!