Debbi Michiko Florence

Looking for fun, kid-friendly, readerly treats to share for Halloween? Check out Trick or Treaters for a bagful of spooky and not-so-spooky fun! (art by Kevin Atteberry) Look for Jasmine Toguchi and a story to snatch, along with a daruma fun craft to download and share! Click on illustration below. Art by the fabulous Elizabeth… Read more »

Oh what a fabulous event at the Los Angeles Zoo! Many thanks to Robin Savoian, Associate Director Development, Safari Society for coordinating a truly spectacular morning. Thanks also to the staff, keepers (particularly senior keeper, Rose Legato), volunteers, and all the people who came out for the event! The morning started off with a delicious… Read more »

I recently had the pleasure of being a part of two fabulous book festivals! A true joy to be around swarms of people who love books and reading! DECATUR BOOK FESTIVAL Recently, I was at the Decatur Book Festival in Georgia. The “largest independent book festival in the country,” there were booths, food, displays, and… Read more »

Thank you to Paul Swydan and family, and the wonderful staff at The Silver Unicorn Bookstore for welcoming me and Kara LaReau to their store. We had a blast chatting with the audience about our chapter book series, answering questions, and signing our books! Me with awesome store owner, Paul Swydan   Talking about daruma… Read more »

Sending out love and gratitude to my indie, Bank Square Books, for hosting all three of my Jasmine Toguchi book launches! July 28 was my launch for book 4 of the chapter book series, Flamingo Keeper! *Amazing daruma and flamingo cookies by Carried Away Cakery! ** If you’d like personalized/signed copies of any of the… Read more »

Now available, all four books in my chapter book series, Jasmine Toguchi, about a spunky 8-year-old Japanese American girl growing up in Los Angeles, both in paperback and in hardcover! You can buy them at your favorite indie bookstore or online. Or if you’re lucky, there are two ways you can win a set this… Read more »

It’s almost time! Jasmine Toguchi Flamingo Keeper releases on July 3, 2018! Jasmine’s best friend, Linnie, has just gotten a puppy. And now Jasmine wants a pet of her own―a flamingo! So when her grandmother sends Jasmine a daruma doll as a surprise gift, Jasmine colors in one doll eye and wishes for a flamingo… Read more »

Today, April 3, is launch day for book 3 in my chapter book series, Jasmine Toguchi! A Junior Library Guild 2018 Selection “An enjoyable offering about trying new activities and finding just the right talent that makes us feel “free and strong and happy.”” ―Kirkus I’m so excited to share this book about third grader… Read more »

I had an absolutely wonderful time celebrating Girl’s Day at Newtonville Books on Saturday, March 3.  Girl’s Day or Hinamatsuri (doll festival) is a Japanese celebration honoring girls. My mom and me on Girl’s Day with the traditional set of dolls representing the Imperial Court Thank you to the amazing staff – Deb, Margaret, Guna,… Read more »

  On Saturday, October 28 at the Pao Arts Center in Boston’s Chinatown, I had the pleasure of working with Susan Tan, author of the middle grade book Cilla Lee-Jenkins, Future Author Extraordinaire. Families with kids joined us on a beautiful day – we read from our books and ran activities and crafts. Even the… Read more »