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The Mochi Makers

About The Book

A girl and her grandmother spend the day making mochi together in this gentle and joyous “storytelling treat” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) celebrating family, tradition, and the memories that matter most.

Emi and Obaachan are making mochi. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Obaachan brought it with her when she first came to America from Japan and now, Emi is about to become her family’s newest mochi maker!

They mix and pound and twist and wrap. The Japanese rice cakes are sticky and chewy, colorful and tasty, and—most importantly—made with love. For Emi and Obaachan, making mochi becomes a way to remember those they’ve lost, make lots of new memories, and have a fun and family-filled day.

About The Author

Photo courtesy of the author

Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson is a Japanese American author-illustrator who grew up in both America and Japan. She now lives in California in a house filled with three generations of family, two languages, and countless books and art supplies. She’s the author-illustrator of The Mochi Makers and Shell Song. Visit her at SharonFJ.com.

About The Illustrator

Photo courtesy of the author

Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson is a Japanese American author-illustrator who grew up in both America and Japan. She now lives in California in a house filled with three generations of family, two languages, and countless books and art supplies. She’s the author-illustrator of The Mochi Makers and Shell Song. Visit her at SharonFJ.com.

Product Details

Raves and Reviews

"Each step of this tasty story glows with joy and kindness, punctuated by rich sensory language.... A storytelling treat to be savored among family."

– Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED* review, 2/1/2024

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