Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

Gigi tries natto—a traditional Japanese food. But will she like it as much as peanut butter? This Level Three I Can Read series by author-illustrator Melissa Iwai follows Gigi, a biracial six-year-old who learns about her Japanese culture from her grandfather when he comes to stay. 

Ohayo! It’s breakfast time and Gigi can’t wait to make her favorite 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 newest work in the series highlights the close relationship of Gigi and her grandfather and trying new things!This Level Three I Can Read book is geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. The story contains several Japanese words and a glossary of definitions.

About the Author

Melissa Iwai is a children's book author and illustrator of many picture books. She is excited to be the creator of her first I Can Read series, Gigi and Ojiji. Launched in 2022, Gigi and Ojiji is on many "best book" lists, including that of the Evanston Public Library, the New York Public Library, and the Chicago Public Library. The work was also recognized as a Kirkus Best Book 2022 in the Early Reader category. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband. Visit her at melissaiwai.com.