Meet Rita. She’s a little girl with very big ideas. Rita loves to hide. She wants her very own ninja who will help her to train her body and mind. Hi-yaa! Then she will be quiet, quick and invisible. But when the ninja steals something close to her own heart, how will she respond?

A high-kicking story of stealth, bravery and sibling love.

 Click here to view Welsh edition 

Books in the series:

• Rita wants a Witch
  
• Rita wants a Robot
• Rita wants a Ninja
• Rita wants a Fairy Godmother
• Rita wants a Dragon
  
• Rita wants a Genie

Máire Zepf has written 12 books for children, from picture books to a YA verse novel. Winner of the KPMG Children’s Book of the Year, the Réics Carl Award and a White Raven in 2020, her books appear in 8 languages worldwide. The Co. Down author was the first Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland and is Artistic Director for Quotidian.

Andrew Whitson is an award-winning artist and Belfast native who likes to be called Mr. Ando! He lives in an old house which is nestled discreetly on the side of a misty hill; at the edge of a magic wood, below an enchanted castle in the shadow of a giant’s nose. His house looks down over Belfast Harbour where the Titanic was built and up at the Belfast Cavehill.

'The fabulous illustrations (look for hidden Rita) perfectly complement the emotional underpinning — this series is a treat.' Sally Morris, The Daily Mail

'Máire Zepf’s Rita picture books cleverly blend celebrating children’s unbridled imaginations with inviting them to reflect and empower themselves...Sparked by the author’s classroom experiences, and illustrated with verve by Andrew Whitson (better known as Mr Ando), this provides plenty of thought-provoking fun for 3+ year-olds.' Joanne Owen, LoveReading4Kids

'Crazy illustrations accompany this hilarious story' It's All About Stories

'I utterly love the overall vibe of this book, and would absolutely share this book time and time again with little ones, and know that they would enjoy it each time too.' Sam Thomas, Book Bound

'Andrew Whitson’s expansive, action-packed scenes of Rita’s imaginings take readers along with the two children, into verdant Japanese bamboo forests and snowy landscapes wherein lurk fighting ninja clans.' Jill Bennett, Red Reading Hub

'This is a lovely book and I’m sure many children will love it; and adults too.  As usual what Rita wants at first doesn’t seem so appealing by the end, but this time her adventure involves her brother more and I love that, and how things end for them both!' The Strawberry Post

'All of the Rita books are beautifully, with a small amount of text, using just the right words to enchant the youngest readers. They express the day-to-day thoughts, feelings and dramas of every child and bring imagination and creativity to the fore as busy, bold, wonderful Rita explores her problem-solving ability with great aplomb...The illustrations are perfect with the story and are one of the best examples of what happens when an author and illustrator are working with one mind. Brightly coloured, full of movement and clear, expressive details, they give us an amusing and insightful look into the mind, imagination and emotions of the child.' Mary Esther Judy, Fallen Star Stories

'This is a fabulous series for younger readers to share with friends and family.' Nicki Cleaveland, School Librarian Magazine