Gigi and Ojiji

Gigi, a biracial six-year-old girl, learns about her Japanese culture from her grandfather when he comes to visit. Perfect for social emotional learning. Gigi can't wait for her Ojiji-Japanese grandpa-to move in. Gigi plans lots of things to do with him, like playing tag, reading books, and teaching Roscoe, the family dog, new tricks. But her plans don't work out quite the way she'd hoped. And, her grandpa doesn't seem to like Roscoe. Will Gigi find a way to connect with her Ojiji?

Gigi wants to go by something besides her baby name-but her full name, Geraldine, is too long to write and Hanako, her middle name, doesn't feel quite right. Will Gigi find the perfect name?

Join Gigi as she tries natto, a traditional Japanese food, in this exciting and engaging Level Three I Can Read book by acclaimed author and illustrator Melissa Iwai. Intergenerational relationships, Japanese culture, and social and emotional learning are highlighted in this sweet biracial story, perfect for sharing with children 3 to 6. Ohayo! It's breakfast time and Gigi can't wait to make her favorite meal, Peanut Butter Toast. Yummy! But Ojiji doesn't like peanut butter. How can anyone NOT like peanut butter? Ojiji prefers Japanese foods-like natto, made from fermented soybeans. Will Gigi learn to love a new breakfast treat? This story highlights the close relationship of Gigi and her grandfather and the importance of trying new things!

Gigi loves the Japan Day Festival! When Ojiji volunteers at the origami booth, Gigi can't wait to make a paper crane like Ojiji's. But folding paper is harder than it looks, and Gigi is disheartened when she sees her paper crane next to Ojiji's. Will Gigi give up or will she try her best? Author-illustrator Melissa Iwai's next installment in this “I Can Read” series encourages readers to try a new activity and to never give up.