Jasmine Toguchi, Peace-Maker
#6 of 8 in Jasmine Toguchi Series
What’s inside...
With more than 150,000 copies sold, the award-winning Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series continues with four new standalone books, taking readers on a family vacation to Japan with eight-year-old Jasmine and her family. As they visit Hiroshima to see her grandma and cousin Akari, Jasmine looks forward to spending quality time with her sister, Sophie, and making a new friend in Akari. However, Jasmine's jealousy emerges when Akari seems to prefer Sophie's company, potentially ruining their family visit. Debbi Michiko Florence weaves a tale of new experiences, family dynamics, and the importance of kindness, complemented by Elizabet Vukovic's playful illustrations, making readers cheer for Jasmine as they explore Japan through her eyes.
Discussion points
How do you think Jasmine felt when she was trying to solve her friends' disagreement?
What are some ways Jasmine could have handled the situation differently?
Why is it important to listen to everyone's side of a story during a conflict?
Can you think of a time when you helped resolve a conflict? What did you do?
What does being a peace-maker mean to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you resolved a conflict, setting a relatable tone for the discussion.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts by asking how they would feel in Jasmine's place.
Validate your child’s responses, showing that their opinions and feelings are important and respected.
Discuss the value of peace-making and listening in friendships, linking it to their personal experiences with friends or at school.
Prompt your child to think critically by asking how different actions might have led to different outcomes in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Conflict resolution
Explanation: Jasmine Toguchi, Peace-Maker demonstrates how Jasmine navigates resolving conflicts among her friends in a calm and thoughtful manner.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize Jasmine's methods of communication and understanding to solve disputes with peers at school or siblings at home effectively.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jasmine consistently strives to understand her friends' feelings and perspectives, which helps in resolving the conflicts.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the emotions of others before reacting, aiding in the development of emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of apologies
Explanation: Jasmine learns the power of genuine apologies in mending relationships which is a key moment in the story.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of admitting mistakes and saying sorry, which is crucial in building strong and healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how Jasmine collaborates with others to find solutions, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of working together in group settings such as in classrooms or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: Jasmine showcases moral courage by standing up for what she believes is right, even when it is not the easiest path to take.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to uphold their values and stand up against wrongdoing, be it in small day-to-day interactions or more significant issues.