J. P. Takahashi and HifuMiyo deliver a moving story about two cousins who have eagerly awaited their big mixed-family reunion at the cherry blossom festival. But when nerves strike on the day, they help each other learn more about their family tree, and together they watch new bonds blossom.

Spring has finally come.

Sai has been waiting all year for the trees’ green buds to turn pink. For the cherry blossoms to finally burst open. For her big family reunion at the sakura festival.

Relatives from far and wide are gathering at last, but there are some family members she recognizes only from video screens and phone calls. Among the crowd, Sai seems to shrink down. . . .

Until she meets her cousin Avi. Its an instant click. And together, they dream up a special way to dive deep into their family historyand honor the blooming of new connections.

Waiting for Hanami is a celebration of merging cultural traditions that perfectly reflects the cousin’s Japanese American and African American extended family. An ideal next read for multicultural families everywhere!

Published : February 4, 2025

Language : English

Hardcover : 40 pages

Reading age : 4 – 8 years

Grade level : Preschool – 3