
SHARON FUJIMOTO-JOHNSON
AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR
books
The Mochi Makers
By Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson
"A storytelling treat to be savored."
- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
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2024 Golden Poppy Awards finalist (California Independent Booksellers Alliance)
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2026 Georgia Children’s Book Awards finalist (Mary Frances College of Education, University of Georgia)
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Cooperative Children’s Book Center CHOICES 2025 (School of Education, University of Wisconsin )
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Best Books of 2024 Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature

Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane Books
Publication: March 19, 2024
ISBN13: 9781665931540
“The Mochi Makers is an extraordinary debut, expertly blending storytelling and visual artistry. This heartfelt exploration of family, love, and tradition, accompanied by a touchingly personal connection, cements the book as a standout release."
- Asian Stories Library
About the Book
A girl and her grandmother spend the day making mochi together in this gentle and joyous “storytelling treat” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) celebrating family, tradition, and the memories that matter most.
Emi and Obaachan are making mochi. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Obaachan brought it with her when she first came to America from Japan and now, Emi is about to become her family’s newest mochi maker!

Behind the Book: The Bright Agency Blog
The inspiration and process behind creating THE MOCHI MAKERS
“The Mochi Makers is an incredibly heart-warming and personal book about the importance of family, tradition, and remembering those who came before us.”



