Debbi Michiko Florence writes books for children in her writing studio, The Word Nest. She is an animal lover with a degree in Zoology, and has worked at a pet store, the Humane Society, a raptor rehabilitation center, and a zoo. She is the author of two chapter-book series: Jasmine Toguchi (FSG) and Dorothy & Toto (Picture Window Books). A third-generation Japanese American and a native Californian, Debbi now lives in Connecticut with her husband, a rescue dog, a bunny, and two ducks. Sachiko moved to San Francisco from Japan in 1988 to study art. Her initial interest in art was jewelry making and then, gradually, graphic design. Later she branched out into mixed media and began creating narrative illustration. Currently, she enjoys creating whimsical and vibrant illustrations using collage and mixed media such as balsa wood, as well as with traditional techniques. Much of her work has been inspired by living and traveling in the United States and abroad. she has lived in Tokyo, Arizona, Oregon, Washington,
