Gigi and Ojiji: Perfect Paper Cranes

"A cheery, gentle lesson on the importance of 'practice makes perfect.'" — School Library Journal (starred review)

A Geisel Honor-winning series!

Gigi and Ojiji: Perfect Paper Cranes 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?

Author-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.

Gigi and Ojiji: Perfect Paper Cranes 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.

Praise for Gigi and Ojiji:

"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." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"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 Booklist (starred review)

"An affirming option in the quickly diversifying field of early-reader books." — Kirkus Reviews

A 2023 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor title

El día de los niños, el día de los libros selection 2023

ALSC Notable 2023

CBC Teacher and Librarian Favorites Award 2023

A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year in the 5–9 beginning reader category (2023)

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection