annieb123
Written on Oct 17, 2021
Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen is the first book in the young reader series by Debbi Michiko Florence. Released in 2017 by Macmillan on their Farrar Straus & Giroux imprint, it's 160 pages and is available in most formats. The audiobook version was released by OrangeSky Audio on 13th Oct 2021. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is an adorably illustrated and very well written chapter book for youngsters which entertains readers with an engaging story and also explores themes of growing up as a Japanese American kid, traditions, family, gender roles, and just wanting to be "big enough" for once (she's a younger sister). She's feisty and intelligent and outspoken and I loved her character dearly. The book also includes some Japanese cultural traditions, foods, and celebrations.
The audiobook version has a run time of just under 1 hour and 15 minutes and is capably narrated by Allison Hiroto. The book contains quite a number of different characters, both male and female, of all ages and different accents and the narrator does a good job of keeping them distinct and easy to understand.
All in all it's an exuberant and entertaining read and will appeal to all ages. This would make a good selection for public or classroom library acquisition, home library, or gifting to a young reader. It would also be great for reading circle, group reads, or a classroom listening/story time.
Four stars for the book and four stars for the audiobook version.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.