Kindergartner Yoko not only learns to write her letters and numbers in English, she shows her teacher and fellow students how to write their names using Japanese calligraphy.

When Yoko moves from Japan to California, she decides to make and send origami swans to her grandmother for her birthday.

The students in Mrs. Jenkins' class explore the careers they'd like to have when they grow up, including Yoko who wants to be a Japanese teacher.

Jennie is as close to her grandfather as a mouse can be, and when he suddenly dies she keeps thinking she sees him turning a corner, sitting on a bench, heading for the pier, or walking along their beloved beach, seeking the elusive Queen's teacup seashell.