Review by Horn Book Review
In her third chapter book, Japanese American Jasmine Toguchi can't figure out a talent to display in her school's talent show until her mom introduces her to taiko (a Japanese drum). Jasmine remains a charismatic heroine as she diligently practices drumming and learns that having fun is more important than striving for perfection. Tidy spot illustrations capture Jasmine's dedication and exuberance. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Jasmine Toguchi is back in a third book trying to figure out the perfect talent to show off in the school show. Eight-year-old Jasmine's principal has announced they are having a schoolwide talent show. Everyone in her class already seems to have a talent picked outeven the new girl is bragging about how she is going to win with her violin playing. After some thinking and talking, Jasmine finally admits that she doesn't have a talent, so her mom introduces her to taiko drumming, a Japanese art form. She has less than a week to learn the basics of taiko and how to play a short song, which raises doubts that if she isn't perfect that means she isn't talented. The plot is simple, but the themes are familiar to all readers. In this outing, Florence focuses on introducing Jasmine's Japanese culture to her school and friends. Befitting the form, it's a short, easy-to-read book with black-and-white sketches throughout, making the story accessible to early readers. An author's note and hachi-maki headband instruction guide are included for more information on taiko and Japanese culture.An enjoyable offering about trying new activities and finding just the right talent that makes us feel "free and strong and happy." (Fiction. 5-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
