Jasmine Toguchi, Great Gardener
#8 of 8 in Jasmine Toguchi Series
What’s inside...
Accompanied by drawings from Elizabet Vuković, Debbi Michiko Florence writes a beautifully heartfelt and richly humorous eighth book in the Jasmine Toguchi series. Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is now an expert on travel and doesn't want summer to end! In this final book chronicling her family vacation in Japan, she visits Kyoto. And wowee zowee, on this vacation there is still lots more to see. This is their last stop, and Jasmine is thrilled to be enjoying the city with her older sister, Sophie, and her Obaachan who teaches her how to live in the moment. Sad to see their trip coming to an end, in true Jasmine fashion, she hatches a plan – involving vegetable seeds, a pink flamingo, and lots of love – to feel connected to her Obaachan even when she’s back in the United States.
Discussion points
What do you think Jasmine learned about gardening and patience in the story?
How do you think Jasmine felt when her plants started to grow? Have you ever felt similar?
Why do you think working in the garden was important to Jasmine?
If you could grow anything, what would it be and why?
How do you think taking care of a garden might help Jasmine in other areas of her life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, such as a time they tried something new or had to wait patiently for a result.
Discuss the feelings and challenges Jasmine faces in the book, prompting your child to talk about how they might feel or react in similar situations.
Explore the theme of responsibility by talking about what it takes to care for a garden and how those skills can apply to other areas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Jasmine Toguchi learns the value of responsibility through taking care of her garden, understanding that consistent effort is needed to maintain the plants.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small duties at home, like helping to set the dinner table or caring for a pet, reinforcing the importance of consistent care and effort.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: In the story, Jasmine learns that results do not come immediately. Gardening teaches her to be patient as she waits for her plants to grow.
Real-World Application: This lesson is applicable in many aspects of a child's life, such as waiting their turn in games or patiently working through learning new skills or subjects in school.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Jasmine’s gardening introduces her to the broader ecological system and her role within it, emphasizing respect for nature.
Real-World Application: Children can become more environmentally conscious by engaging in activities like recycling, conserving water, or planting seeds in their own gardens.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite challenges in the garden, Jasmine sticks with her tasks, learning that perseverance leads to eventual success.
Real-World Application: Kids can mirror this quality when faced with academic challenges or in learning new sports or arts, understanding that persisting through difficulty can lead to achievement.
Example Lesson: Joy of Sharing
Explanation: Jasmine experiences the joy of sharing the fruits of her labor with family and friends, which enhances her social interactions and personal happiness.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to share their own successes or creations with others, which can foster a sense of community and strengthen relationships.