The Perfect Sushi
PAPERBACK
ISBN: 9781646868384
Written by Emily Satoko Seo
Illustrated by Mique Moriuchi
Published by Barefoot Books
Miko likes things to be perfect. When she makes lopsided sushi for her grandmother’s birthday, she replaces it with perfectly formed sushi created by a restaurant robot. Upon delivering her gift, Miko discovers that kokoro (heart) – not impeccability – is the key ingredient to the perfect present. Sprinkled with engaging onomatopoeia, this unique title is infused with Japanese culture and delivers a universal message about the value of intention. A do-it-yourself sushi recipe is included.
Key Points:
CULTURAL AWARENESS: Provides a lovely kid’s-eye-view of key aspects of modern Japanese culture: superb presentation, onomatopoeia, and technology.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING: Reinforces the idea that intention and effort are more important than perfection – and that technology cannot replace the human heart and spirit.
GRANDPARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS: The featured relationships in the story are those between a child and her grandparents.
AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION: Written by a Japanese Canadian author and illustrated by a Japanese English artist whose grandfather was a master chef in Tokyo.
ILLUSTRATIONS: Chic, endearing collage illustrations add charm and visual appeal.
RECIPE: Includes an easy-to-follow recipe for sushi.
Watch the preview here
Discussion Guide
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 10.75 inches
Page Count: 24 pages
Age Range: Ages 4 - 9 years
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Hot Off the Press Reading List, Children’s Book Council, April 2023
“A sweet story that reminds readers to always put their hearts into whatever they do” – Kirkus Reviews
“A Japanese child’s desire to get things just right for her grandmother’s birthday becomes a lesson in what truly matters in Seo’s quietly heartfelt story” – Publishers Weekly
“The message of family and food and the importance of doing something from the heart is loud and clear, and the illustrations are so lovely” – School Library Journal
“This book’s message is simple, powerful, and heartfelt, and the ending is a heartwarming moment of pure love” – Quill & Quire
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORSWritten by - Emily Satoko Seo
Emily Satoko Seo, a Japanese Canadian chemist turned children’s book author, writes about food, culture, science and nature. She currently lives in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and two young children.
Illustrated by - Mique Moriuchi
Mique Moriuchi spent her most memorable childhood years in Japan between the ages of seven and ten. Mique currently works as a primary school librarian, children’s book illustrator and occasional lopsided sushi maker with her partner and their two children in Bedford, UK. Her illustrations are created by hand, using collage and acrylic paint.
