Jasmine Toguchi, Flamingo Keeper

Jasmine Toguchi #4

by Debbi Michiko Florence, Elizabet Vukovic (Illustrator)

*A fun activity included in every book!*

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018

Jasmine's best friend, Linnie, has just gotten a puppy. And now Jasmine wants a pet of her own―a flamingo! So when her grandmother sends Jasmine a daruma doll as a surprise gift, Jasmine colors in one doll eye and wishes for a flamingo to keep.

Next, Jasmine tries to convince her parents that she’s responsible enough for a pet. She cleans her room, brushes her teeth, takes out the trash, and, most importantly, researches everything she can about flamingos. But soon it becomes clear that her wish may never come true! Will Jasmine's daruma doll ever get its second eye? Luckily her big sister, Sophie, has a surprise planned that fulfills Jasmine’s wish beyond her wildest dreams.

Debbi Michiko Florence is at her best in Jamine Toguchi, Flamingo Keeper , a sweet, special story of sisterhood and new responsibilities, with illustrations by Elizabet Vukovic!

Genres: Chapter Books, Fiction, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Asian American, Asian Literature

128 pages, Hardcover

First published July 3, 2018

About the author

Debbi Michiko Florence is the author of upper middle grade novels Sweet and Sour, Keep It Together, Keiko Carter, Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai, and This Is How I Roll. She has a debut middle grade series called Last Chance Academy. Book 1, A Study in Secrets, is coming on March 11, 2025! She is also the author of three chapter books series including Jasmine Toguchi with four new books, Follow Jasmine as she travels to Japan on vacation! And Debbi co-authored a picture book biography, Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites.

Her books have received starred reviews, JLG Selections, and inclusion on lists such as Amazon Best Books and the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best.

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think my kids have made me read all of the Jasmine Toguchi series to them and I have liked them all. This one, like the others, did not disappoint. It pulls in some Japanese traditions and lets you into a typical Japanese American family, which is mainly just an American family that is working to make sure some of their cultural heritage is still maintained. Jasmine and her sister are normal kids doing normal things, but the book builds in a lesson about having character, working ard to achieving your dreams, and caring about your family and others.

[Akoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far our most favorite book from the series (if that's even possible).
The wait for more Jasmine Toguchi is going to be a long one.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to my nephew for introducing this series time me!
What a delightful story with great characters and wonderful messages about hard work, perseverance, love, and compassion. All without feeling pushy or annoying.
Also some great lessons about taking care of a pet, wild animals, and - of course- flamingo facts!
I can see why my nephew loves this and I’d be happy to read more in the series. :)

[Laura Mossa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fourth book in the series, Jasmine’s best friend Linnie gets a puppy. Jasmine wonders if she can convince her parents to let her have a pet flamingo, which is her favorite animal in the world. Her hopes get high when Jasmine’s grandma sends her and her older sister Sophie a daruma, which is a Japanese wishing doll. Her mom explains that you make a wish and color in one eye. When the wish is fulfilled, you can color in the other eye. Of course, Jasmine knows her wish-a pet flamingo! But darumas don’t work that way. Jasmine learns that wishes don’t just happen; her grandma informs her that you must have gambette which means working hard to make your wish come true.

Jasmine Toguchi is one of my favorite series and it’s perfect for students transitioning to chapter books. Jasmine appeals to young readers because she is spunky, determined, and has a lot of heart. The black and white illustrations complement the text and show Jasmine’s range of emotions as well as her close relationship with her family. While Jasmine is disappointed that the daruma does not magically grant wishes, she recalls that she has made past wishes come true with hard work. Not only is Jasmine a great role model for children but each story teaches young (and old) readers about Japanese culture. Like the previous novels, the author includes an author’s note and a bonus activity, and in Flamingo Keeper, Debbi Michiko Florence shares facts about the daruma and directions on how to make one. I know my wish-Jasmine’s adventures will continue with another book in the series.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jasmine and Sophie get daruma dolls from their grandmother. Their parents tell them to make a wish, fill in one eye and then wait for the wish to come true to fill in the other eye. Sophie refuses to share her wish, but Jasmine decides to wish for a pet flamingo. Encouraged by her best friend getting a puppy, Jasmine starts planning for her pet flamingo. At school she does research for an oral report on flamingos, and she's getting really excited for her wish to come true. But what neither sister realizes, is that you are expected to work towards daruma wishes. Are their wishes doomed?

Jasmine feels so realistic in this one. I think every child at some point had dreams of having an animal as a pet that would in reality make a terrible pet. Getting her to the point of realizing this, though, is an uphill climb. After all, she's been dreaming of this for forever. The solution was creative, and I'm not going to say anything more than that. You get a nice little peek into another part of Japanese culture with the daruma dolls, and there's an author's note with a little more information about them. I like that they are more than just a wishing talisman type thing, they seem to be more a way to create a visual reminder of your goals (at least the way they are portrayed in this book). This entire series should appeal to kids who like realistic stories and those who want to learn more about Japanese culture.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasmine Toguchi: Flamingo Keeper by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic, 112 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2018. $6.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A package comes in the mail for Jasmine and her older sister from their grandma in Japan. The package contains a daruma, a small doll that is missing pupils in it’s eyes, and they learn from their parents that they should color in one eye when they make a wish and the second when the wish comes true. Jasmine makes a wish to have a pet flamingo, her favorite animal. Her wish doesn’t come true exactly, but through the kindness of her sister, she does feel satisfied with the results.

This is a fast book for ages 6-8 readers. While the story is simple, I liked that it included some multicultural experiences through words in a different language (Japanese) and descriptions of different foods (Mochi). This book is written in first person and I think it makes Jasmine relatable and easy to connect with.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

8-year-old Jasmine receives her first daruma wishing doll from her grandmother in Japan. With only one wish she needs to make sure it is exceptional. She climbs up into her neighbor’s tree to be alone and to think.

Jasmine’ best friend just got a puppy and she wants her very own pet too. Jasmine loves flamingos and decides she doesn’t want just any pet. She wants a pet flamingo! Jasmine excitedly colors in one eye of her wishing doll and makes her wish. She just needs to convince her parents that she is responsible enough to take care of her pet flamingo. Will she get her wish? If she does, then she can color in the other eye of her wishing doll.

Jasmine Togughi, Flamingo Keeper teaches about Japanese culture, setting goals and having perseverance. Also included are instructions on creating your own daruma doll craft.

Reviewed by: Jane Khaytin, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this, the fourth title in the Jasmine Toguchi series, the author continues to blend elements that will be familiar to many readers while also carefully exploring a part of the protagonist's Japanese culture. The result is a story that is relatable but also eye-opening for readers while offering many Japanese American readers a character that might remind them of them. In this book, eight-year-old Jasmine receives a wishing doll (a daruma) from her grandmother. She longs for a pet, but not just any pet for Jasmine. She is captivated by the grace and beauty of a flamingo, and wishes for that bird to be a part of her life. As she tries to convince her parents that she is reliable enough to take care of a pet, but as time passes, she starts realizing how unlikely it would be that a flamingo would be happy in her home. The text and illustrations capture the earnestness and determination of Jasmine who is positively irresistible.

[Ro Menendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just might be my favorite Jasmine story. Starting with the title, Flamingo Keeper, I was intrigued how exactly, Jasmine, the go-getter girl I've come to enjoy reading about was going to pull this one off. Jasmine loves flamingos so very much, but she realizes she doesn't know as much about them as she should. She decides to become an expert in order to prove she can handle having her favorite bird as a pet, and she is further encouraged that this will become a reality when her grandmother sends her a daruma doll from Japan which makes wishes come true. What follows are life lessons for Jasmine: showing your love sometimes means making sacrifices, and wishes only come true if you work hard for them. Readers with big dreams and wishes of their own will find comfort in Jasmine's journey and ability to be flexible in how they are accomplished.

[Andrea Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the delightful Jasmine Toguchi series is a gem. Jasmine and her big sister Sophie each receive special Japanese dolls called daruma from their grandmother. Daruma are wishing dolls -- you make a wish and color in one of the eyes. When your wish is granted, you color in the other eye. Jasmine and Sophie both make big wishes -- then they learn that making wishes come true often takes hard work and persistence. Jasmine's voice and concerns are true to her age, Japanese culture is lightly yet deftly explored, and the story is full of humor and heart. I laughed out loud at several points and was touched by the ending. The ending is a little open-ended -- I hope this means there will be more Jasmine Toguchi books in the future!

[Serenity · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*

Another fun addition to the series. Jasmine is a sweet and spunky but relatable character who sometimes acts without thinking but for the most part tries to do the right thing. Her observations about the difficulties of friendships and sibling relationships are pretty spot on for her age. In this book Jasmine makes a wish to get a pet flamingo, and tries to work toward that goal. The solution is pretty realistic although I wish her parents would have made her work to adopt the flamingo. I think that would have been more in line with her grandmother's instructions regarding the wish.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Jasmine Toguchi book I've read and it won't be the last. This author writes with a spot-on middle grade voice and I enjoyed getting to know Jasmine. The characters are well-rounded and come to life and the action and dialogue move the story forward always. The friendship and family relationships are heart-warming and one of my favorite parts of this book.

I connected on a personal note to this book as I have wished on Daruma dolls myself and currently have one with only one eye, so I'm working on that. I enjoy learning Japanese as my best friend is from Japan and helps me learn about the culture and language, so I will be seeking out this author's books.

[Elizabeth Moreau Nicolai · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best beginning chapter books I've read this year. I adored Jasime, she was funny and spunky and relatable and fantastic. Her family was sweet. She worked to make her wish come true and it did, but not in the way she expected. (Also I love another diverse book). I appreciate the craft and author's note on some Japanese culture. I'm going to be recommending this one a lot.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

11/10/2018 ~ Every child wants a pet, but Jasmine wants a pet flamingo! The author, Florence, does a nice job building the suspense, but then resolving the story in a way that feels satisfying but realistic (spoiler alert - Jasmine does not get a pet flamingo). We also see a lovely depiction of big sisters - antagonistic one moment but loving the next.

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure this is my favorite book in the series (hopefully, so far)!
I love learning more about darumas, a Japanese wishing doll. I really enjoy how Debbi includes pieces of Japanese heritage into her books.

[Mrs. Salas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!! Learning about the Japanese culture while reading about Jasmine and her ventures is always entertaining!!

[Robin Savoian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read for 2nd-4th graders.

[Annese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet. I think this might be my favorite book in the series!

[Iricat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think my 2nd graders are really going to like this chapter book series.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 7 year loved me reading this to her (and reading it herself). Great characters, interesting lessons learned.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

adorable!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so,so much.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasmine's Obaachan (grandmother) in Japan sends Jasmine and her big sister Sophie daruma dolls! The dolls don't have eyeballs and the wisher must make a wish first and color in the eyeballs when the wish comes true. Jasmine wishes for a flamingo! She can't wait for her wish to come true. In the meantime, she does lots of research into flamingos. Then Obaachan tells the girls that they have to work hard to make their wishes come true, there's no such thing as luck.

I really enjoy these little chapter books. Jasmine is an appealing and relatable girl and there's always a message to be learned. I enjoyed learning about a tradition I haven't heard of and I learned a lot about flamingos too. The solution to Jasmine's problem is a good one and introduces a new concept to kids. My niece wanted a horse for her birthday and I ended up getting her a horse in the same way Jasmine gets her flamingo.

There's an author's note explaining more about daruma dolls and a fun craft activity included. I

[AMY · Rating 4 out of 5]

103 pgs. Jasmine's friend Linnie gets a puppy she names Trixie. Jasmine begins thinking about what kind of pet she might want. She receives an unusual gift from her grandmother who lives in Japan. It is a daruma doll. In Japanese culture, you are supposed to make a wish and color in one of the doll's eyes. When your wish comes true, you color in the second eye. Jasmine decides she wants a flamingo as a pet and works toward that goal. But being a flamingo keeper is not as easy as it sounds. Jasmine's sister Sophie won't even tell her secret wish. This realistic fiction book will appeal to 2nd - 3rd-grade girls. Highly recommended.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Another* strong early chapter book! Jasmine has such a realistic kid voice, though her belief that she might actually be able to own a flamingo at her house does seem far-fetched. I loved her family relationships - strong parents, plus a big sister who is starting to act weird but ultimately is still loving. The introduction to Japanese phrases and the concept of a daruma was interesting. I also really like the illustration style, black and white and a bit similar to the Ivy and Bean illustrations.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely delightful chapter book series about a young Japanese American girl named Jasmine. In this book, Jasmine wishes for a Flamingo, and lucks out when her grandmother sends her a daruma doll that will help her make her wishes come true. Of course, daruma dolls work a bit differently than how Jasmine expected. I really enjoyed learning about daruma dolls and this is a wonderful series of books for young readers!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was dismayed to find out that there aren't any more Jasmine Toguchi books, because my daughter loved them, and they incorporated Japanese American cultural elements really well! In this book, Jasmine receives a daruma doll from her grandmother in Japan and uses it to wish for a pet flamingo. I hadn't heard of darumas before, so it was interesting to learn about, and also discuss wishes and what is actually attainable (and how to work hard and be creative to attain your goals).

Gr. 1-3

[Rebecca Shively · Rating 5 out of 5]

I obtained this book in a box of books that have been banned from school libraries in Florida. I cannot imagine what drove them to ban this adorable book. It’s 100% appropriate for its age range (6-9) and has good lessons.

Was it maybe the mention of a water shortage in California? (The environment is woke of course).

Is it the mention of magic? (Children making wishes is evil you know).

Perhaps it’s that the characters are Japanese and not white? Or that the main character is a girl? Who knows? Anything is possible for people who ban books.

[Kelsey Boeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book. It was quirky and relatable; it seems like a Japanese-American version of Junie B Jones or the Ramona books where the main character is always getting into mischief. This book was an easy read, yet it had a fairly good story plot. The story was about a Japanese-American girl who was trying to make a wish come true. The author brought in actual cultural aspects and made them a crucial part of the story line. These aspects are explained thoroughly and become intriguing to individuals who may not be of that culture; this provided background so it is still an enticing book whether or not you can culturally relate to the Japanese aspects. The main character is convincing and lovable to the reader and is given a wide-range of emotions and thoughts that young readers can relate to. I would use this story to engage a young Japanese-American reader or to educate others on character's heritage impacting viewpoints.