Review Detail

The Mochi Makers is a beautiful, heartwarming story about passing down traditions for generations, written and illustrated by Japanese-American author Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson.

Fujimoto-Johnson's illustrations capture her story-telling in these breath-taking spreads, not only using her art, but real photographs as well.

The story itself is beautiful. It is one of family and passing on traditions, from generation to generation. That making (and sharing) mochi is a way of showing love and saying thank you.
Never having hear of mochi before, my youngest thought Obaachan and her granddaughter were making cookies, making this story a relatable read for him.
I would have loved a pronunciation guide! I knew right away I would stumble over a few words, having not much experience with the Japanese language.

The author included an authors note, giving us a glimpse of her family traditions. There is also a recipe for mochi in the back matter.

The Mochi Makers is a wonderful intergenerational story about passing down a cultural tradition. I hope reading this story prompts more family discussions about our histories.