Jasmine Toguchi, Great Gardener - by Debbi Michiko Florence

About the Book

On her last stop in Japan, eight-year-old Jasmine cherishes the time spent with her family, and plants a garden to ensure a lasting connection with her Obaachan even after returning home.

Book Synopsis

Accompanied by drawings from Elizabet Vukovic, Debbi Michiko Florence writes a beautifully heartfelt and richly humorous eighth book in the Jasmine Toguchi series.

Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is now an expert on travel and doesn't want summer to end! In this final book chronicling her family vacation in Japan, she visits Kyoto. And wowee zowee, on this vacation there is still lots more to see.

This is their last stop, and Jasmine is thrilled to be enjoying the city with her older sister, Sophie, and her Obaachan who teaches her how to live in the moment. Sad to see their trip coming to an end, in true Jasmine fashion, she hatches a plan - involving vegetable seeds, a pink flamingo, and lots of love - to feel connected to her Obaachan even when she's back in the United States.

Review Quotes

"Detailed black-and-white spot illustrations add charm and sweetness to the short, readable chapters...A feel-good, realistic, and relatable story." -- Van McGary

About the Author

Debbi Michiko Florence is a third-generation Japanese American and has many fond memories of sharing in her family's traditions while growing up in California and visiting her relatives in Japan. Debbi is also the author of novels and picture books, including Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites. She now lives in Connecticut with her husband and their many animals (but no flamingo).

Elizabet Vukovic received her BFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. She specializes in children's book illustration but enjoys experimenting with character design, concept art, fashion illustration, and decorative art. She currently resides in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.