The Perfect Sushi, by Emily Satago Seo, Art by Mique Moriuchi

The Perfect Sushi, by Emily Satago Seo is set to release in April 2023 and is sure to bring a smile to little faces. Miko, a very particular little girl, wants to do something special for her grandmother’s upcoming birthday; she decides she would like to make her the perfect sushi. After a few failed attempts Miko enlists some help from her grandfather but no matter how hard she tries, she still can’t seem to get it just right. After much frustration, Miko storms away and eventually comes across a robot making the perfect kind of sushi she had envisioned. She decides this is what she will bring to her grandmother. After giving her grandmother the robot sushi, Miko quickly realizes that she does not like the dish. She decides to gather the platter she had made herself, and much to her surprise, her grandmother loves it the most.

This heartwarming tale of the appreciation for handmade gifts, sets such a wonderful example for children. Showing them that the best gifts, while maybe appearing imperfect, can often be the most appreciated. Pouring your heart and thoughtfulness into what you are making for someone is truly a wonderful gift on its own. The illustrations by Mique Moriuchi are incredibly vibrant and pleasing to the eye, and easily capture and maintain the attention of young listeners. Throughout the story, there are also many different Japanese phrases which help to engage and offer a little bit of a cultural lesson to little ones, and there is a glossary included to explain the meaning of each one. The Perfect Sushi is a delightful combination of an uplifting story paired with a wonderful teaching moment.

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.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barefoot Books (April 4 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 24 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1646868382
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1646868384

Melanie Métivier

Children's Picture Book Reviewer

Melanie is the Children's Book reviewer at The Miramichi Reader. She is a mother to two young children Adeline (5 years) and Harlow (3 years). She has a Bachelor of Health Science from Dalhousie University and previously worked as a Radiological Technologist before deciding to pursue a career in health insurance administration. She enjoys sewing, crafting, and going on adventures with her family. Having lived in all three maritime provinces, Melanie now raises her daughters with her husband in Moncton, NB.