Why the Fujimini Adventure Series Is Great For Teaching Children About Asian Culture

Eileen Wacker created her children’s book series, Fujimini Adventure Series, with a purpose in mind- to provide a series that was entertaining and educational for children but also to provide an avenue for children to learn about Asian cultures. During her time living in South Korea, she noticed a deficit in the availability of english language books that taught about Eastern culture and tradition. To remedy this situation, Wacker came up with the idea for her series, a collection of books with different plots but all with an Asian flare. 

Each book introduces a new tradition, legend, or aspect of Asian culture to readers. Many of the books expose children to an Asian tradition that they may not have otherwise been exposed to. 

For example, in ‘Black Tortoise and the Dynasty Dragon’, the children are introduced to new characters, such as the Dynasty Dragon, as well as new terminology, like a Turtle Boat. 

In ‘Silent Samurai and the Magnificent Rescue’, children not only learn about samurai warriors but also fun facts like how purple is the color of royalty in Japan. 

‘Blue Penguin and the Sensational Surf’ introduces a new character with a deep connection to Asian culture and legend, the Kappa. Not only is the Kappa very culturally significant, but it is also a unique addition to literature, especially children’s books. 

‘Rainbow Panda and the Firecracker Fiasco’ follows the trend of all Wacker’s other stories by incorporating a very important Asian holiday into the plot. Children who read this book will learn all about Chinese New Year Celebrations and the importance of fireworks and firecrackers as a part of New Year celebrations.

'Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi’ also introduces children to a new Asian holiday, the Moon Festival Celebration; a traditional Chinese harvest festival. In addition to introducing the holiday itself, the story also integrates many important features of the holiday, such as the food. Of course, Sushi, which can be guessed from the title, but some other foods as well, such as Moon Cakes! 

One of my favorite features about Eileen Wacker’s series that makes the books unique, other than the Asian theme, is the glossary that she has at the end of each story. This addition to each book provides a way for children to not only be introduced to an Asian tradition, holiday, or legend but to learn even more about it at the end of the story.  

This book series provides a wonderful avenue to teach your children about other cultures and traditions while being fun, cute, and entertaining at the same time! 

Click here to learn more about Eileen Wacker and the Fujimini Adventure Series 

My Review of Eileen Wacker's 'Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi'

In Eileen Wacker’s second book in the Fujimini Adventure Series, Fujimini Island is filled with excitement as the animals prepare for the much anticipated Moon Festival Celebration, a traditional Chinese harvest festival. All the hamsters are busily making beautiful traditional lanterns while Red Penguin is crafting her prized sushi. The other critters who live on Fujimini Island are doing all the can to help, including Blue Whale who just loves parties. Red Penguin is very proud of her sushi, and is doing a bit of showing off and bragging to the hamsters about how important it is. Suddenly, her beloved sushi vanishes. Has a simple mistake been made or is someone trying to teach Red Penguin a lesson about bragging? 

Given 4.62 out of 5 stars on Good Reads and 5 out of 5 stars on Barnes and Noble, this book is an excellent way to make kids smile and laugh along through the adventures of the Fujimini Island animals while also learning a subtle but important moral lesson about bragging. 

A customer reviewed the book on Barnes and Noble’s website, giving it a 5 out of 5 and commented:

“Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi is a clever and very funny little book. The characters are great and the story keeps children engaged. Plus, the author infuses bits of asian culture into the story. It's fun and educational!”

When asked about her inspiration behind this book author and CEO of ONCEKids Eileen Wacker responded, “My inspiration for Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi was children’s hide and seek, sushi making and bragging! It is a true adventure story involving two best friends who decide to teach a sushi making bragging chef a lesson. Of course it backfires and the importance of working together to solve a problem comes into play! I love this story and the bragging penguin is really a great friend and chef!”

Enjoy the story on your kindle, hardcopy, or as an animated book!

Click here to learn more or purchase the book

Click to Watch the New Trailers for ONCEKids' Animated Books, "Green Hamster and the Quest For Fun" and "Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi"

Here at ONCEKids we could not be more excited following the release of the trailers for our first two animated books; Green Hamster and the Quest For Fun and Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi. Thanks to the very talented Ryan Mawhar, the previews for the two animated books are completed and ready to be viewed! Click the videos below to watch and be sure to visit our website to read more about our animated books as well as the rest of Eileen Wacker’s Fujimini Adventure Series collection. 

Click below to watch the trailer for Green Hamster and the Quest for Fun 

Click below to watch the trailer for Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi

Learn more about the award-winning Fujimini Adventure series.  Purchase the books here

Lesson Plan for Your Children or Students

The Fujimini Island Adventure Series provides fun, vibrant, Asian inspired stories for kids in pre-school up second grade.

Here is a lesson plan idea for teachers or parents for grades K-1. This lesson plan focuses on character.

Supplies: The book Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi by Eileen Wacker (order here), art supplies, character map

Objective: Learn about character traits

1. Read Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi to your child or students.
2. Discuss character traits with your child or students. Character traits are unique attributes of a person. When we describe a person or thing we usually describe its attributes. 
3. Tell your child or student that “character traits is not what a person looks like but acts like, character traits describe what is inside”. 
4. Here is a list of words that describe character traits - some of these words are too sophisticated for K-1 but many are understandable and some are perfect challenge words for kids.
5. Draw on a piece of paper or chalk board a character map. 
6. Place Red Penguin in the middle of the map. 
7. Draw extensions and write various traits that Red Penguin has on the extensions. 
8. Do this activity with your child or students.
9. Have your child or students do an art piece – a character picture - featuring Red Penguin. 
10. Encourage your child to incorporate Red Penguin’s traits in the art piece.

To learn more about Fujimini Island and the other books in the Fujimini Adventure Series, click here.