Review by Booklist Review
In this story from the Gigi and Ojiji series under the respected I Can Read banner, Gigi is eager to visit the local Japan Day Festival. The food is great, and Ojiji, her grandpa, is helping to staff the origami booth. Since he's busy helping others fold paper cranes (a difficult challenge), another staffer shows Gigi how to make an origami puppy, an easier project. Now confident, Gigi asks Ojiji to show her how to make a crane. Unfortunately, she's easily discouraged after comparing her finished project with her grandfather's, and she declares that she doesn't like origami. Her understanding mentor advises her to make just "one fold at a time." Musing, "I can do that," Gigi tries again and makes a better crane. Beginning readers will probably sympathize with Gigi's initial impatience to excel. The book concludes with a double-page spread titled "How to fold a puppy head," featuring 11 illustrated step-by-step instructions for making an origami dog like those shown in the colorful digital illustrations. A reassuring story paired with an appealing craft project.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Gigi is thrilled for the Japan Day Festival, where she'll get to eat, watch a parade, and make crafts. Origami holds the most appeal, particularly since Gigi's beloved grandfather Ojiji will be helping at the booth. Feeling ambitious, Gigi wants to attempt a paper crane. A crane is hard, her mother explains, but encourages her with a Japanese word that means good luck or do your best: "Ganbatte!" Gigi's confidence suffers a blow when her attempts at a crane don't go as planned. "One fold at a time," Ojiji encourages her, and though her crane doesn't boast the same angular perfection as his, her family reminds her that her greatest accomplishment lies in not having given up. This is a wonderful addition to Iwai's growing series of early readers centered around the relationship between granddaughter and grandfather, in which Ojiji is treated as a beloved elder from whom Gigi can glean valuable life lessons. Softly colorful, tender illustrations depict Gigi's multiracial family as they enjoy a spring day together, surrounded by a diverse crew of festivalgoers. A few introductory Japanese words and phrases are seamlessly integrated into the text, then later defined in a glossary. The final pages feature a lesson on making an origami puppy--less daunting than a crane. VERDICT A cheery, gentle lesson on the importance of "practice makes perfect."--Kate Newcombe
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