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A Geisel Honor–winning series

A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best

“A nuanced, fresh take on the trying-new-foods trope. This loving multiracial, bilingual, and multigenerational family reflects many children’s lived experience, and Iwai’s illustrations reinforce the story’s sense of empathy and acceptance.”
— Horn Book Magazine

Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought

Written by Melissa Iwai
Illustrated by Melissa Iwai
Published by HarperCollins

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 and Ojij: Food for Thought is a Level Three I Can Read book. Level 3 includes many fun subjects kids love to read about on their own. Themes include friendship, adventure, historical fiction, and science. Level 3 books are written for early independent readers. They include some challenging words and more complex themes and stories. The story contains several Japanese words and a glossary of definitions.

Primary ISBN: 9780063208124
Publication Date: September 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Early Reader, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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