“A Japanese child’s desire to get things just right for her grandmother’s birthday becomes a lesson in what truly matters in Seo’s quietly heartfelt story” – Publishers Weekly Miko likes things to be perfect. When she makes lopsided sushi for her grandmother’s birthday, she replaces it with perfectly formed sushi created by a restaurant robot. Upon delivering her gift, Miko discovers that kokoro (heart) – not impeccability – is the key ingredient to the perfect present. Sprinkled with engaging onomatopoeia, this unique title is infused with Japanese culture and delivers a universal message about the value of intention. A do-it-yourself sushi recipe is included.

Emily Satoko Seo's profile page

Mique Moriuchi's profile page

Emily Satoko Seo, a Japanese Canadian chemist turned children’s book author, writes about food, culture, science and nature. She currently lives in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and two young children and enjoys making homemade sushi with her family. Emily has also written The Science of Boys and Our World: Japan.

Mique Moriuchi spent her most memorable childhood years in Japan between the ages of seven and ten. Mique currently works as a primary school librarian, children’s book illustrator and occasional lopsided sushi maker with her partner and their two children in Bedford, UK. Her illustrations are created by hand, using collage and acrylic paint.

“The message of family and food and the importance of doing something from the heart is loud and clear, and the illustrations are so lovely” – School Library Journal

“A Japanese child’s desire to get things just right for her grandmother’s birthday becomes a lesson in what truly matters in Seo’s quietly heartfelt story” – Publishers Weekly

“A sweet story that reminds readers to always put their hearts into whatever they do” – Kirkus Reviews