I find it amusing when I want to review an early/easy reader. After all, it is funny that a book that probably has less than 250 words needs a review of 250 words.
Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwai has a lot going on in it. There is the daughter/mother relationship. There is the granddaughter/grandfather relationship. And there is the culture relationship. You learn Gigi is biracial (Japanese mother, white father) by just seeing it. There is no HEY LOOK! I AM DIFFERENT yelling off the page. It is as natural. And when Gigi tries using Japanese and miscommunicates with her grandfather, there is the not only a generational gap, but a language gap, too. Abut this just shows how both granddaughter and grandfather can learn from each other.
There is a glossary for some of the words and a description of the word ojiji as being an informal form of grandfather (or grandpa) but one you only use with your own grandfather. Gigi starts off the story by calling him ojiisan. This natural transition was a fun way to learn about the culture and language of Japan.
The other fun part to learning about the culture is the show of things that are different from her and Japan. Such as how Gigi is upset her grandfather did not open the gift she had for him. Her mother explains that some older people think it is impolite to open a gift in front of the giver, and later Gigi wonders if it is okay for her to open the gift. As Gigi learns, we the reader does, too.
Everything is packaged in a relatable story. Melissa Iwai is a delightful author and illustrator. The colors and details are bold, but not overly so. And they show the story you are reading in a comfortable manner. A great book for your personal or classroom libraries. Best for the strong solo (or with help) reader.
