{"title":"Melissa Iwai","description":"\u003cp\u003eMelissa Iwai's books warmly blend engaging storytelling with gentle lessons, perfect for young readers beginning to explore the world. Her tales often feature family moments and cultural traditions, fostering both curiosity and comfort through relatable characters and thoughtful themes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBridging \u003cem\u003eChildren's Books\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eEducation \u0026amp; Reference\u003c\/em\u003e, her works encourage imagination alongside valuable learning experiences, inviting children to discover new perspectives while delighting in charming narratives.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"gigi-and-ojiji-by-melissa-iwai-9780063208056","title":"Gigi and Ojiji","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eGigi and Ojiji\u003c\/em\u003e: \"Gigi crafts her Japanese American identity in this ­enchanting early reader. The cuteness, inclusivity, and cross-cultural problem-solving represented will have young ­readers coming back again and again. A must-buy.\" —\u003cem\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/em\u003e (starred review)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"The text is well supported by the endearing illustrations, which capture all of Gigi’s big emotions and depict her as a biracial child, with a white father and Japanese mother.\" —\u003cem\u003eBooklist\u003c\/em\u003e (starred review)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"An affirming option in the quickly diversifying field of early-reader books.\" —\u003cem\u003eKirkus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGigi, a biracial six-year-old girl, learns about her Japanese culture from her grandfather when he comes to visit. Perfect for social emotional learning.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGigi 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut 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?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis exciting new I Can Read series is brought to you by author-illustrator Melissa Iwai, whose popular books include \u003cem\u003eSoup Day\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eDumplings for Lili.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGigi and Ojiji\u003c\/em\u003e 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 and pronunciations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcclaim for \u003cem\u003eGigi and Ojiji\u003c\/em\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA 2023 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor title\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEl día de los niños, el día de los libros selection 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALSC Notable 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCBC Teacher and Librarian Favorites Award 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year in the 5-9 beginning reader category! (2023)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46657834811628,"sku":"9780063208056","price":16.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/13284663482210.jpg?v=1752494026"},{"product_id":"gigi-and-ojiji-food-for-thought-by-melissa-iwai-9780063208117","title":"Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Geisel Honor–winning series!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Chicago Public Library Best of the Best!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoin 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOhayo! It’s breakfast time and Gigi can’t wait to make her favourite 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis exciting and engaging I Can Read series is brought to you by author-illustrator Melissa Iwai, whose popular books include \u003cem\u003eSoup Day\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eDumplings for Lili\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePraise for Gigi and Ojiji:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Gigi crafts her Japanese American identity in this ­enchanting early reader. The cuteness, inclusivity, and cross-cultural problem-solving represented will have young ­readers coming back again and again. A must-buy.\" —\u003cem\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/em\u003e (starred review)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"The text is well supported by the endearing illustrations, which capture all of Gigi’s big emotions and depict her as a biracial child, with a white father and Japanese mother.\" —\u003cem\u003eBooklist\u003c\/em\u003e (starred review)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"An affirming option in the quickly diversifying field of early-reader books.\" —\u003cem\u003eKirkus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA 2023 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor title\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEl día de los niños, el día de los libros selection 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALSC Notable 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCBC Teacher and Librarian Favorites Award 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year in the 5-9 beginning reader category (2023)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46686520148204,"sku":"9780063208117","price":16.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/13285273482210.jpg?v=1753288462"},{"product_id":"gigi-and-ojiji-perfect-paper-cranes-by-melissa-iwai-9780063208148","title":"Gigi and Ojiji: Perfect Paper Cranes","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"A cheery, gentle lesson on the importance of 'practice makes perfect.'\" — \u003cem\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/em\u003e (starred review)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Geisel Honor-winning series!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGigi and Ojiji: Perfect Paper Cranes\u003c\/em\u003e is a delightful tale where Gigi eagerly anticipates the Japan Day Festival. When Ojiji volunteers at the origami booth, Gigi is thrilled at the chance to make a paper crane like Ojiji's. However, folding paper proves to be more challenging than it seems, and Gigi feels disheartened comparing her crane to Ojiji's. Will she give up, or will she muster the courage to try her best?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor-illustrator Melissa Iwai encourages young readers in this instalment of the I Can Read series to embrace new activities and persevere in the face of difficulties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGigi and Ojiji: Perfect Paper Cranes\u003c\/em\u003e is a Level Three I Can Read book, ideal for children who can read independently but may need a bit of assistance. The story includes several Japanese words, a glossary, and instructions on how to fold a paper puppy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePraise for Gigi and Ojiji:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Gigi crafts her Japanese American identity in this enchanting early reader. The cuteness, inclusivity, and cross-cultural problem-solving represented will have young readers coming back again and again. A must-buy.\" — \u003cem\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/em\u003e (starred review)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"The text is well supported by the endearing illustrations, which capture all of Gigi’s big emotions and depict her as a biracial child, with a white father and Japanese mother.\" — ALA \u003cem\u003eBooklist\u003c\/em\u003e (starred review)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"An affirming option in the quickly diversifying field of early-reader books.\" — \u003cem\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA 2023 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor title\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEl día de los niños, el día de los libros selection 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALSC Notable 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCBC Teacher and Librarian Favorites Award 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year in the 5–9 beginning reader category (2023)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46995370737900,"sku":"9780063208148","price":16.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/13285583482210.jpg?v=1763110681"},{"product_id":"lets-party-by-melissa-iwai-9780316297707","title":"Let's Party!","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransform any party into a fun-filled, hands-on celebration! Featuring ten birthday themes and more than 70 unique recipes and activities, this DIY guide is the perfect gift for families—and is guaranteed to make a child's next birthday one they'll always remember.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMake birthday memories that will last a lifetime!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere's nothing quite as special as creating your very own birthday party. In this spectacular DIY birthday planner for children aged three to ten, kids can choose their favourite party theme and assist in making the crafts and recipes associated with each. They'll learn how to bake dinosaur cakes, create robot piñatas, design superhero outfits, decorate their party setting, and so much more. Whether you're hosting a Pirate Cove Party, a Monster Mash Bash, or a Woodland Fairy Fest, every birthday theme will inspire creativity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe designed parties include a craft activity, a decor project with templates, and recipes for a meal, two snacks, and the ultimate birthday cake. Step-by-step instructions, DIY tips and tricks, and a list of materials for each birthday theme make this activity-recipe book the perfect gift that families will return to year after year!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46995633897708,"sku":"9780316297707","price":59.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/16460073482300.jpg?v=1763117162"},{"product_id":"dumplings-for-lili-by-melissa-iwai-9781324003427","title":"Dumplings for Lili","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLili loves to cook baos, and Nai Nai has taught her all the secrets to making them, from kneading the dough lovingly and firmly to being thankful for the strong and healthy ingredients in the filling. But when Nai Nai realises that they are out of cabbage (Secret #8: line the basket with cabbage leaves!), she sends Lili up to Babcia's apartment on the sixth floor to get some. Babcia is happy to share her cabbage, but she needs some potatoes for her pierogi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat follows is a race up and down the stairs as Lili helps all the grandmothers in her building borrow ingredients for different dumplings: Jamaican beef patties, Italian ravioli, Lebanese fatayer, and more. Energised by Melissa Iwai's engaging artwork and kinetic storytelling, \u003cem\u003eDumplings for Lili\u003c\/em\u003e is a joyful story of sharing food, friendship, and love in all their forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47596302631148,"sku":"9781324003427","price":33.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/0c383c6ebf7f94849ee50e57c9900565.jpg?v=1777930445"},{"product_id":"a-garden-for-lili-by-melissa-iwai-9781324082187","title":"A Garden for Lili","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLili's apartment building is having a block party! Lili heads down to the garden to get Nai Nai green onions for her fried rice recipe. There, she's visited by all the grandmas in the building, who stop by to get ingredients for \u003cem\u003etheir\u003c\/em\u003e block party dishes, bring scraps for Mr. Nibbles, the building's composter, and show Lili the secrets to growing and maintaining a happy garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it's time for the party, everyone brings a different delicious rice dish from around the world—Hashweh from Teta, Arroz Roja from Abuela, Carrot Risotto from Nonna, and more. After a busy morning in the garden, Lili is extra proud of the strawberries she's worked hard to grow!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Garden for Lili\u003c\/em\u003e is a cheerful, engaging, and informing celebration of urban gardening and the ways food connects our communities from award-winning picture book creator Melissa Iwai.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47650509816044,"sku":"9781324082187","price":51.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781324082187-a-garden-for-lili.jpg?v=1779325328"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/melissa-iwai.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}