News

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 »

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 »

I celebrated the launch of Jasmine Toguchi Drummer Girl (book 3) at Savoy Bookstore & Cafe in Westerly RI on April 8. It was such a thrill to have the party at one of my favorite indie bookstores and to be surrounded by friends, family, and fans. Big thanks to the bookstore and Elissa Sweet… 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 »

I am so very honored that Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen is a Junior Library Guild Fall 2017 selection. Yesterday I received my award package with my certificate! I am filled with deep gratitude to the Junior Library Guild.

I owe you all a huge blog post with details from my recent book signings in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston, with a bit about my trip to NYC with my agent and a friend. In the meantime, I wanted to share a link to an interview I did with Kara Rota of the… Read more »