Gohan is a plain onigiri who excitedly waits to be chosen by a customer. But when only the fancy onigiri with tasty toppings are chosen, Gohan decides it’s time to make a change. There’s just one problem: no matter what toppings he adds to himself, nothing feels quite right. Nothing, this is, until his rice paddle pal Paddy, takes Gohan on an adventure through Japan’s charming cherry blossom season. Can Gohan learn the value of just being himself before it’s too late? Enriched with lively rhymes and vibrant illustrations, little readers can learn elements of Japanese language and culture through Gohan’s heartwarming journey of self-acceptance.
After living in Italy and Japan, Melissa Sakamoto developed a passion for multilingual and multicultural experiences. In both countries, she was a former English language teacher, where she focused on designing curricula and discussions to improve students’ speaking skills. She taught language learning through activities, such as cooking classes, games, and dancing. She takes pride in helping students of all ages learn about new languages and cultures, and recognize that every child has their own unique way of learning.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: TAMMY DO
Tammy Do is a children's book illustrator originally from Vietnam and currently based in California. Her artistic style is whimsical, playful, and colorful. She loves creating imaginative characters that are relatable and full of personality. Tammy believes that art has the power to change the world, one picture at a time, and she is honored to be a part of this magical journey.
