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.

A fisher boy, Urashima Taro, rescues a turtle and as a reward is guided underwater to the Dragon King's Palace, where he spends what he believes to be several days with a princess. But upon returning home, he discovers he's been gone for at least 100 years.