Poetic Form

Book Review: Today and Today



Kobayashi, Issa. 2007. Today and Today. Ill by G. Brian Karas. New York. Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439590785.

1.Review of Book:
Today and Today is a collection of eighteen haiku poems written by Kobayashi Issa, a beloved Japanese poet of haiku. The book is arranged to tell a story of a year in the life of an imaginary family through the seasons beginning with spring. Each of the poems briefly describes different events or activities that can occur during that season. Because each poem is a haiku, they are short and most will be easily understood by children starting as early as age 6. Many of the poems can and will enhance children's learning as some of the poems use more advanced vocabulary words. Children will still be able to relate to several of the poems as Issa describes experiences that children may have during these seasons. For example, this poem from the book that describes a summer day:

It begins
from the cicada's song
the gentle breeze

Many children will be able to relate or recall similar sensory images of summer such as this. What truly adds both meaning and provokes thoughts and emotions is G. Brian Karas' colorful illustrations. One can see the changes in nature that occur from season to season, but if carefully studied one will also notice a drawn older character that appears on most pages. In the spring and summer he is shown holding a cane or is sitting in a wooden chair, and near the end of fall he seems to appear to look much older. Before winter an illustration of just the wooden chair, now empty, is shown and we see the other characters visiting a grave site. Even though it is not discussed in the poems children will observe the illustrations and can discuss the variety of changes that can occur over the course of a year.

2. Classroom/Library Connection:
Follow-up Activity:
After sharing this book of poems with students, discuss with children what their favorite season or time of the year is and why. Then remind children of what our five senses are. After this discussion model how to write a sensory poem by choosing one of the four seasons as the inspiration. Then encourage children to choose their favorite season and create their own poem based on what they see, hear, feel, smell, and taste during this particular season.

3. Review Excerpts/Awards Won:
-Best Books for Young People, 2007; Washington Post; United States
-Best Children's Books of the Year, 2008; Bank Street College of Education; Outstanding Merit; United States
-Booklist Book Review Stars, April 1, 2007; United States
-Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2007; The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
-Notable Children's Books, 2008; ALSC American Library Association; United States
-Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, February 5, 2007; Cahners; United States