Debbi Michiko Florence, a third generation Japanese American, is a former classroom teacher and zoo educator. Her debut chapter book series Jasmine Toguchi is about a spunky 8-year-old Japanese American girl. The four books are: Jasmine Toguchi Mochi Queen, Jasmine Toguchi Super Sleuth, Jasmine Toguchi Drummer Girl, and Jasmine Toguchi, Flamingo Keeper (FSG/2017 and 2018). Mochi Queen was an Amazon’s Best Children’s Books of 2017, Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books 2017, on the 2018 Amelia Bloomer Booklist, and a Bank Street 2018 Best Children’s Books of the Year. Mochi Queen, Drummer Girl, and Flamingo Keeper are Junior Library Guild selections. Debbi is also the author of the Dorothy & Toto early chapter book series (Picture Window Books/2016). A native Californian, Debbi now lives in Connecticut with her husband, rescue dog, bunny, and two ducks.
