Today and Today

Name: Today and Today
ISBN: 9780439590785

by Kobayashi Issa

For the child who finds magic in a ladybug or a falling leaf, this collection of 18th-century Japanese haiku explores the quiet beauty of seasons and life.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when you want to slow down and help your child notice the small, quiet wonders of the natural world. This collection of 18th-century haiku by Kobayashi Issa provides a gentle, meditative look at the passing of time and the beauty found in insects, frogs, and changing seasons. While it touches on the cycle of life, its primary focus is on mindfulness and deep appreciation for the environment. It is a perfect choice for sensitive children or for winding down at the end of a busy day. Parents will appreciate the way it introduces sophisticated Japanese poetry in a way that feels accessible and grounded for elementary-aged children.

Curiosity & Wonder Nature & Outdoors Gratitude & Appreciation Weather & Seasons Joy & Gratitude Asian Heritage Animals Sadness & Grief

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Touches on the passing of time and the end of the seasons, which may feel bittersweet.

Read plot summary

Today and Today is an illustrated collection of haiku by the 18th-century Japanese poet Kobayashi Issa. The book is structured chronologically through the four seasons, moving from the birth of spring to the stillness of winter. It depicts everyday encounters with nature: a snail climbing a mountain, a butterfly on a sleeping person, and the frost of winter. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book handles the cycle of life and death with a direct but calm, secular approach. Death is presented as a natural part of the seasonal cycle rather than a traumatic event. The resolution is realistic and peaceful. EMOTIONAL ARC: The emotional experience is gentle throughout. It begins with the high energy and joy of spring, transitions into the reflective heat of summer and the crispness of autumn, and ends with the quiet, slightly somber but beautiful stillness of winter. IDEAL READER: A 6-year-old child who is naturally observant and loves to collect rocks or watch bugs. This is for the child who needs a tool to help them articulate the big feelings they get when they see a sunset or a falling leaf. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might reach for this after seeing their child struggle with overstimulation or when a child asks a deep question about where things go when they die. PARENT PREP: The book can be read cold, but parents may want to preview the final winter poems which have a more melancholic tone to ensure they are ready to discuss the 'quiet' of the end of the year. AGE EXPERIENCE: Preschoolers will enjoy the vivid imagery of the animals and weather. Older children (7-8) will begin to appreciate the structure of the haiku and the deeper philosophical themes of impermanence and gratitude. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many nature books that are purely educational, this uses historical poetry to create a bridge between the 18th century and modern day, showing that wonder is timeless.