Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought
#3 of 17 in Gigi and Ojiji Series
What’s inside...
In this Level Three I Can Read book, Gigi learns about trying new foods as she explores Japanese cuisine with her grandfather, Ojiji. The story centers around their breakfast time, where Gigi prefers peanut butter toast while Ojiji introduces her to natto, a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. Through their intergenerational relationship, Gigi experiences the importance of embracing new culinary delights and cultural traditions. The book highlights themes of friendship, adventure, and the thrill of discovery, making it an ideal read for children ages 3 to 6. A Geisel Honor–winning series! Join Gigi as she tries natto, a traditional Japanese food, in this exciting and engaging Level Three I Can Read book by acclaimed author and illustrator Melissa Iwai. Intergenerational relationships, Japanese culture, and social and emotional learning are highlighted in this sweet biracial story, perfect for sharing with children 3 to 6. 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 story highlights the close relationship of Gigi and her grandfather and the importance of trying new things! This exciting and engaging I Can Read series is brought to you by author-illustrator Melissa Iwai, whose popular books include Soup Day and Dumplings for Lili. Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought is a Level Three I Can Read book. Level 3 includes many fun subjects kids love to read about on their own. Themes include friendship, adventure, historical fiction, and science. Level 3 books are written for early independent readers. They include some challenging words and more complex themes and stories. The story contains several Japanese words and a glossary of definitions.
Discussion points
What do you think Gigi learned from her experiences with Ojiji in the story?
How did the different foods in the book make you feel? Would you like to try any of them?
Why is it important to share meals with family and friends?
How do you think Gigi and Ojiji felt about each other by the end of the book?
What are some of your favorite foods, and what memories do they bring?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the cultural significance of the foods mentioned and how they bring people together.
Ask your child to describe their emotions and connect personal experiences with the events in the story to deepen their understanding.
Encourage your child to think about the importance of intergenerational relationships and what they can learn from spending time with older family members or friends.
Suggest recreating a recipe from the book together to make the reading experience interactive and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family meals
Explanation: Gigi and Ojiji share meals together throughout the book, fostering a sense of family unity and belonging.
Real-World Application: Children can help set the table or assist in meal preparation to enhance family bonding and create cherished memories.
Example Lesson: Valuing diverse cultures through food
Explanation: The story introduces dishes from Ojiji’s homeland, showcasing the diversity of culinary practices and the stories they carry.
Real-World Application: Children can explore recipes from different cultures with their parents, enhancing cultural awareness and appreciation.
Example Lesson: Nutrition and healthy eating
Explanation: Gigi learns about the nutritional benefits of different ingredients used in Ojiji’s recipes, promoting healthy eating habits.
Real-World Application: Parents can involve their children in grocery shopping and discuss the health benefits of various foods to encourage making healthier food choices.
Example Lesson: The joy of cooking together
Explanation: Gigi and Ojiji spend quality time cooking together, which highlights the joy and satisfaction derived from preparing meals.
Real-World Application: Children can participate in cooking activities at home to understand the effort behind meal preparations and develop a love for cooking.
Example Lesson: Sharing knowledge across generations
Explanation: Ojiji passes down culinary knowledge and life lessons to Gigi, emphasizing the value of intergenerational learning.
Real-World Application: Children can learn family recipes or skills from older family members, preserving heritage and strengthening familial ties.