Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen

Jasmine Toguchi’s Japanese-American family is once again gathering to make mochi to celebrate the new year, but the eight-year-old isn’t allowed to help pound the mochi: she’s too small, too weak, too young—and a girl. Florence (the Dorothy and Toto series) warmly traces Jasmine’s efforts to get strong (and fast), her clashes and tender moments with her family, and the ins and outs of making mochi (a recipe is included). Vukovic’s b&w spot illustrations evoke Japanese Sumi-e painting while playfully capturing Jasmine’s willfulness and her family’s closeness. Simultaneously available: Jasmine Toguchi, Super Sleuth. Ages 6–9. [em]Author’s agent: Tricia Lawrence, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator’s agency: Shannon Associates. (July) [/em]