Debbi Michiko Florence

I am thrilled to announce that my middle grade debut, Keep It Together, Keiko Carter will be published by Scholastic on May 5, 2020! I’m eternally grateful to my amazing agent, Tricia Lawrence of EMLA, and my brilliant editor Jenne Abramowitz! Check out this gorgeous cover: Huge props to cover designer Stephanie Yang! I love… Read more »

It’s been a busy few weeks and I hope to have my quarterly newsletter out on time next month. In the meantime here are a few things I’ve been up to. As part of the #KidsNeedMentors program, I partnered with teacher Jane Chalifoux and her third grade students at Mills Pond Elementary. After a year… Read more »

I love doing school visits and meeting amazing students, teachers, librarians, and staff! In the past couple of months I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with students in New York, Connecticut, and Wisconsin. These young readers are the reason I write books! Jumping for joy in Castleton, NY for their Read Over Sleep Over event… Read more »

I’m super excited to share the news that I have a new chapter book series coming out this fall, 2019! My Furry Foster Family (Picture Window Books/Capstone) is about an 8-year-old Japanese American girl named Kaita Takano who fosters pets with her family. There are four books in the series for 1st – 2nd graders…. Read more »

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 »

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 »

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 »