Natsumi is small but full of big exuberance, and puts her girl-power to good use when she discovers a Japanese tradition as energetic as she is.

When Natsumi's family practices for their town's Japanese arts festival, Natsumi tries everything. But her stirring is way too vigorous for the tea ceremony, her dancing is just too imaginative, and flower arranging doesn't go any better. Can she find just the right way to put her exuberance to good use?

This heartwarming tale about being true to yourself is perfect for readers who march to their own beat.
© Kyla Lendroth
Susan Lendroth combined her daughter's often over-the-top curiosity and exuberance with her fascination with an all-girl taiko drumming group she saw on a trip to Japan to create Natsumi's story. She lives in Sierra Madre, California. View titles by Susan Lendroth

 PRISCILLA BURRIS is the illustrator of many books for children, including Mom School, Dad School, Natsumi!, and the Heidi Heckelbeck chapter book series. Priscilla holds a creative design degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, as well as an Early Childhood education certificate. She is a member of the Board of Advisors for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and she serves as the SCBWI US Illustrator Coordinator and Advisor. She lives with her family in Southern California. See more of Priscilla’s art at priscillaburris.com, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @PriscillaDesign.

View titles by Priscilla Burris

About

Natsumi is small but full of big exuberance, and puts her girl-power to good use when she discovers a Japanese tradition as energetic as she is.

When Natsumi's family practices for their town's Japanese arts festival, Natsumi tries everything. But her stirring is way too vigorous for the tea ceremony, her dancing is just too imaginative, and flower arranging doesn't go any better. Can she find just the right way to put her exuberance to good use?

This heartwarming tale about being true to yourself is perfect for readers who march to their own beat.

Author

© Kyla Lendroth
Susan Lendroth combined her daughter's often over-the-top curiosity and exuberance with her fascination with an all-girl taiko drumming group she saw on a trip to Japan to create Natsumi's story. She lives in Sierra Madre, California. View titles by Susan Lendroth

 PRISCILLA BURRIS is the illustrator of many books for children, including Mom School, Dad School, Natsumi!, and the Heidi Heckelbeck chapter book series. Priscilla holds a creative design degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, as well as an Early Childhood education certificate. She is a member of the Board of Advisors for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and she serves as the SCBWI US Illustrator Coordinator and Advisor. She lives with her family in Southern California. See more of Priscilla’s art at priscillaburris.com, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @PriscillaDesign.

View titles by Priscilla Burris

Books for Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Every May we celebrate the rich history and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Browse a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators that we think your students will love. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

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