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Today
This welcoming and joyful picture book reminds us that every moment can hold many surprises and to look for the wonder in every day.
Today may seem long before leaving for a summer vacation or short during the time away. The moments that make up the day are filled with surprises, joy, fun, and memories. This book guides young readers to keep their eyes and ears open so the day doesn’t slip by.
“Remember today. / It’s yours to keep. / Always.”
Today may seem long before leaving for a summer vacation or short during the time away. The moments that make up the day are filled with surprises, joy, fun, and memories. This book guides young readers to keep their eyes and ears open so the day doesn’t slip by.
“Remember today. / It’s yours to keep. / Always.”
40 pages, Hardcover
Published January 30, 2024
124 people want to read
About the author
Gabi Snyder
5 books88 followersGabi Snyder is the author of TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE (Abrams/Appleseed, 2020) and LISTEN (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, July 2021).
Gabi lives in Oregon with her family.
Gabi lives in Oregon with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 15, 2024
Every big should read this to their little; related or otherwise. The illustrations are soft and welcoming. The story is calming. The end notes are purposeful and will guide readers of all ages toward mindful practices. I need this book in my life on a daily basis.
November 9, 2023
This is a sweet story that both children and adults will enjoy, reminding us to treasure the present and try to hold on to the now. About how hard it is to wait, especially when you're little. Loved the realistic touches of parents talking too long and wasp stings (ouch!). With lovely illustrations by Stephanie Graegin. Backmatter includes mindfulness exercises.
September 26, 2024
A lovely, touching read to help children focus on the joy of special memories the are making right here, right now. I love the fun family time moments depicted including a long drive, time at the lake house, fireworks, firefly watching, special foods, and special people. Bright art with a kid-like approachability and mindfulness tips in the back matter make this even better.
January 23, 2024
We enjoyed this one… the girls really took to the countdowns and having to wait… for trips to visiting cousins, for sure relatable… for myself, nostalgic, those youthful years that time seemed forever long or to fast. The illustrations are beautiful, I want to walk into each page from the aerial car ride view…arriving at the house on the lake, and sitting outside and enjoying blueberry crisp. I already see us revisiting it this spring/summer and utilizing the back matter of mindfulness exercises!
Thank you Simon Kids!
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Thank you Simon Kids!
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
December 28, 2024
This sweet book is all about certain moments (usually ones you don’t enjoy) that seem to take forever, but others (usually ones you do enjoy) that seem to go so quickly. Who can’t relate to that? Gabi Snyder’s lyrical text and Stephanie Graegin’s darling illustrations depict a story of a child who grapples with the concept of time and themes of mindfulness as they anticipate and then experience a family vacation. Complete with back matter that includes steps for how to appreciate the “here and now,” this book has something for everyone. Love it!
February 14, 2024
TODAY is a sweet story about all the joys and feelings that can be felt and captured when we are mindful and present. Written in a soft, lyrical tone, with warm and emotive illustrations to match, TODAY is a reminder to us all about the joy that is available to us in the NOW. The story also contains back matter that expands upon the ideas of mindfulness, and ways we can reduce anxiety and live in the present. This would be a wonderful addition to school and library bookshelves as well!!
April 25, 2025
If you're looking for an introductory book about mindfulness for your young reader, "Today" is that book. The simple story of a child visiting their Pop-pop and living in the moment, no matter what comes their way, is engaging and insightful. The notes at the back are accessible and very helpful in promoting further discussion.
February 2, 2024
Emily Henry's Happy Place: Young Readers Edition. Some powerful stuff here!!!
May 16, 2024
Sweet story about leaning to wait
February 24, 2025
Gorgeously perfect when thinking about "today."
January 7, 2024
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Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
In Gabi Snyder’s Today, a child learns about patience and mindfulness while anticipating a fun summer vacation. Today starts out with the child dreaming of their summer vacation. Time seems to pass so slowly whether it’s waiting days, hours or minutes until he can leave his home to meet up with his cousins for a fun family vacation.
Today gently reminds children that things may go wrong, for instance, the child gets stung by a wasp once he reaches his beloved lake house but those feelings of pain are soon replaced by root beer foam and watching fireflies with his family. Today goes through all the activities the child can experience with friends and family and encourages all children to try to be in the moment of taking in all the things that bring joy like blueberry crisp, lounging with Pop-Pop’s cat, or just sitting still remembering all the best parts of a vacation.
Today is a very comforting book about paying attention to what is happening at the moment. It reminds children that anticipating things like vacations can be tough but that it’s important to appreciate the moment. I loved that the end of the book gives tips for kids who are anxious or worried. The author reminds them that the power of deep breathing and stillness can help assuage that anxiety. Revisiting a memory of a loved one or a favorite vacation can also help those feelings of worry.
Illustrator Stephanie Graegin beautifully captures the joy and comfort of summer vacation with lots of greens and teals to depict a lovely lakeside cottage. Her characters are diverse, with various shades of browns and beiges to create a happy family spending the summer together.
Today is a beautiful reminder to stay in the moment and is a great teaching tool for young readers who want to learn more about mindfulness.
Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
In Gabi Snyder’s Today, a child learns about patience and mindfulness while anticipating a fun summer vacation. Today starts out with the child dreaming of their summer vacation. Time seems to pass so slowly whether it’s waiting days, hours or minutes until he can leave his home to meet up with his cousins for a fun family vacation.
Today gently reminds children that things may go wrong, for instance, the child gets stung by a wasp once he reaches his beloved lake house but those feelings of pain are soon replaced by root beer foam and watching fireflies with his family. Today goes through all the activities the child can experience with friends and family and encourages all children to try to be in the moment of taking in all the things that bring joy like blueberry crisp, lounging with Pop-Pop’s cat, or just sitting still remembering all the best parts of a vacation.
Today is a very comforting book about paying attention to what is happening at the moment. It reminds children that anticipating things like vacations can be tough but that it’s important to appreciate the moment. I loved that the end of the book gives tips for kids who are anxious or worried. The author reminds them that the power of deep breathing and stillness can help assuage that anxiety. Revisiting a memory of a loved one or a favorite vacation can also help those feelings of worry.
Illustrator Stephanie Graegin beautifully captures the joy and comfort of summer vacation with lots of greens and teals to depict a lovely lakeside cottage. Her characters are diverse, with various shades of browns and beiges to create a happy family spending the summer together.
Today is a beautiful reminder to stay in the moment and is a great teaching tool for young readers who want to learn more about mindfulness.
January 22, 2024
This is a comforting picture book, which delves into the wonder surrounding the changing perception of how fast or slow time passes.
Written in beautiful, flowing prose, this book journeys through different experiences, all of which readers can identify with and find familiar in their own lives. From the boredom of seemingly never-ending car rides to fun moments, while playing with friends, or even to the worries of anticipation, various situations demonstrate how the perception of time changes. Sometimes it's fast. Sometimes it's slow. It draws readers/listeners into thought and helps them recognize this in their own lives.
The illustrations carry careful details and make every scene vibrant in its own way. It's enjoyable to simply flip through the pages and let each moment settle in. There are situations readers can recognize from their own lives (or similar situations) and will be able to connect with the experience of passing time without too much trouble. The text flows extremely well with only a bit on each page, making this a great read aloud for even impatient audiences. It's warming, comforting, and enjoyable for both the listener and older/adult readers as well. I received a DRC and especially enjoyed the illustrations.
Written in beautiful, flowing prose, this book journeys through different experiences, all of which readers can identify with and find familiar in their own lives. From the boredom of seemingly never-ending car rides to fun moments, while playing with friends, or even to the worries of anticipation, various situations demonstrate how the perception of time changes. Sometimes it's fast. Sometimes it's slow. It draws readers/listeners into thought and helps them recognize this in their own lives.
The illustrations carry careful details and make every scene vibrant in its own way. It's enjoyable to simply flip through the pages and let each moment settle in. There are situations readers can recognize from their own lives (or similar situations) and will be able to connect with the experience of passing time without too much trouble. The text flows extremely well with only a bit on each page, making this a great read aloud for even impatient audiences. It's warming, comforting, and enjoyable for both the listener and older/adult readers as well. I received a DRC and especially enjoyed the illustrations.
October 10, 2024
I love this book for a whole bunch of reasons. First, I am happy to see Gabi and Stephanie team up again. They are a dynamic duo that always gives readers the best lyrical text, story, and Illustrations all in one book. This book is no exception. I enjoyed LISTEN, but this is my favorite of their books until the next one.
Second, as an adult reader, I want to keep this book close to me since it reminds me of the beautiful times I had with my family and cousins growing up and the times we spent together. Something that is not done as much nowadays. So this book makes me smile and makes me feel all fuzzy inside. I hope it will inspire adults to take a page from this book and realize how those small things can create cherished memories.
Third, I know parents and teachers will love the suggestions at the end of the book and want to keep TODAY handy so they can get ideas on how to guide children who feel anxious or worried or when they’re tempted to fast-forward and instead relax. Find ways to cope with big feelings and difficult situations by appreciating the here and now.
Fourth, Stepanie outdid herself. Every page has so many colorful details for kids to enjoy. I am sure children will identify with the diverse characters: the orange tabby cat, the yellow-headed dandelions, and the buttercups sticking up through the clumps of grass. How the dappled light filters through the trees, splashing in the lake, reading a book with Pop-Pop and waiting, waiting, waiting for it to grow dark so they could see the fireworks while the fireflies wink.
Stephanie ensured she illustrated every leaf, blade of grass, and shingle on the roof, along with a string of lights illuminating the porch, while the family drank rootbeer before leaving for the Grand Finale. Kids will find something new each time they open the book.
Second, as an adult reader, I want to keep this book close to me since it reminds me of the beautiful times I had with my family and cousins growing up and the times we spent together. Something that is not done as much nowadays. So this book makes me smile and makes me feel all fuzzy inside. I hope it will inspire adults to take a page from this book and realize how those small things can create cherished memories.
Third, I know parents and teachers will love the suggestions at the end of the book and want to keep TODAY handy so they can get ideas on how to guide children who feel anxious or worried or when they’re tempted to fast-forward and instead relax. Find ways to cope with big feelings and difficult situations by appreciating the here and now.
Fourth, Stepanie outdid herself. Every page has so many colorful details for kids to enjoy. I am sure children will identify with the diverse characters: the orange tabby cat, the yellow-headed dandelions, and the buttercups sticking up through the clumps of grass. How the dappled light filters through the trees, splashing in the lake, reading a book with Pop-Pop and waiting, waiting, waiting for it to grow dark so they could see the fireworks while the fireflies wink.
Stephanie ensured she illustrated every leaf, blade of grass, and shingle on the roof, along with a string of lights illuminating the porch, while the family drank rootbeer before leaving for the Grand Finale. Kids will find something new each time they open the book.
June 23, 2024
Here is a story about mindfulness and being present.
We see a kid all excited about a trip coming up in the future and it's all he can think about. The trip is finally here and it goes so fast. While there he is stung by a wasp and he wants the day to end already or start over.
I've been trying to work with Nephew about mindfulness. He's rarely present. Any moment of time must be filled with something: a book, a switch, a video game, a show, a movie. He goes from one to the other and he never just is. He really doesn't listen to me, but I try and get some ideas across.
I remember being a kid and looking forward to things. Life seemed so boring and slow sometimes. Just another day. We always went to my grandmother's who lived in Orlando on a lake each summer and I would look forward to that all year long. It was such a great time. This book reminds me of those times. My life wasn't really boring. It just seemed there was always some big event to wait for.
I guess I really have grown up. Now, I like those down times and slow moments. That's where I have space. The big events are a lot and I sort of dread them, because I don't have space and time there. Fellowship is good though. Seeing time as an adult and as a kid are so different. Time is so slow as a kid while so fast as an adult. After 25, it just rips by faster and faster.
Still, I have times I want to fast-forward through. I hate this heat wave we are currently in and it's only June. This 100 degree heats makes me want to die. I'm ready to skip to October. I'm done with it. Really, I should move to Scotland. I just hate this heat. See, I really would skip 4 months of my life if I could. I guess I still have stuff to learn as well.
We see a kid all excited about a trip coming up in the future and it's all he can think about. The trip is finally here and it goes so fast. While there he is stung by a wasp and he wants the day to end already or start over.
I've been trying to work with Nephew about mindfulness. He's rarely present. Any moment of time must be filled with something: a book, a switch, a video game, a show, a movie. He goes from one to the other and he never just is. He really doesn't listen to me, but I try and get some ideas across.
I remember being a kid and looking forward to things. Life seemed so boring and slow sometimes. Just another day. We always went to my grandmother's who lived in Orlando on a lake each summer and I would look forward to that all year long. It was such a great time. This book reminds me of those times. My life wasn't really boring. It just seemed there was always some big event to wait for.
I guess I really have grown up. Now, I like those down times and slow moments. That's where I have space. The big events are a lot and I sort of dread them, because I don't have space and time there. Fellowship is good though. Seeing time as an adult and as a kid are so different. Time is so slow as a kid while so fast as an adult. After 25, it just rips by faster and faster.
Still, I have times I want to fast-forward through. I hate this heat wave we are currently in and it's only June. This 100 degree heats makes me want to die. I'm ready to skip to October. I'm done with it. Really, I should move to Scotland. I just hate this heat. See, I really would skip 4 months of my life if I could. I guess I still have stuff to learn as well.
August 8, 2023
Here’s a book for young readers that acknowledges the many ways time passes. Time passes at different rates when we’re excited and anticipating a change, when we’re waiting or bored, when we’re hurting or missing someone—when we’re having fun. Kids, for whom the passage of time is a new sensation, perceive these different experiences of time with great intensity, in wonderful and mysterious ways. They’ll relate to the markers of time and memory that fill the pages of this gentle family-reunion story—from root beer foam, to the scent of jasmine, to swimming in the lake, to bee stings (ouch!). Together, author Gabi Snyder and illustrator Stephanie Graegin do a beautiful job of weaving a story out of the concepts of time, change, memory, and mindfulness. Bonus material offers the added benefit of introducing kids to the practice of mindfulness as a means of calming anxieties over change and uncertainty.
February 26, 2024
Sometimes a day seems to drag by and take forever. Sometimes a day seems to fly by, going more quickly as you scramble to savor each moment. In this book, a child is waiting for an event. In this story, the event is a trip to visit her Pop Pop and cousins at the lake. There is swimming and good food. And more waiting for something special once it gets dark. And then - it's done. The trip is over and you are back home - with more days to pass slowly or quickly.
One way to help with the passage of time is mindfulness. The author provides some great tips at the end of the book to help readers relax and remember special places and times as a way to bring peace and calm. Also using a stuffie on your tummy during breathing exercises.
This could be paired with Jamie Lee Curtis' newest book - Just One More Sleep: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait... and Wait... and Wait.
One way to help with the passage of time is mindfulness. The author provides some great tips at the end of the book to help readers relax and remember special places and times as a way to bring peace and calm. Also using a stuffie on your tummy during breathing exercises.
This could be paired with Jamie Lee Curtis' newest book - Just One More Sleep: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait... and Wait... and Wait.
April 3, 2024
Brimming with comfort and nostalgia, TODAY is not only a story of mindfulness and being present in the moment, but also of the power of memories that can last a lifetime. Kids will definitely relate to Snyder's eloquent and simple prose that captures the feelings of when a day stretches out because you're waiting for something or encounter frustration, versus the frenetic energy of a day that's slipping by too fast because you're having fun. How many times have we all wished time would speed up or slow down? With joyful illustrations and sensory details that will conjure up the reader's own memories, this book will likely leave kids feeling a little more grateful for the simple pleasures in life. And if they need a little extra help being mindful, there's a simple guide for a mindfulness breathing exercise in the back matter. A very essential and much needed skill for all of us!
December 24, 2024
Waiting is hard, especially when you’re really looking forward to a trip! This picture book shows how waiting can sometimes take a long time, but that being mindful while you wait can lead to extraordinary moments. And moments, they can become fantastic memories that you want to stretch out and have slow down.
I loved the beautiful illustrations, and the way the book has children and caregivers actually take time to breathe and appreciate the moment they’re in. I also loved that there were further exercises and information in the back regarding mindfulness and anxiety. Such a lovely picture book with an important message!
Sarah M. | Marathon County Public Library
See this book in our catalog.
I loved the beautiful illustrations, and the way the book has children and caregivers actually take time to breathe and appreciate the moment they’re in. I also loved that there were further exercises and information in the back regarding mindfulness and anxiety. Such a lovely picture book with an important message!
Sarah M. | Marathon County Public Library
See this book in our catalog.
April 11, 2025
Today stretches long...
This book about the way time stretches and shrinks, and sometimes stands still, is a great way to talk to kids (& adults!!--I needed this just as much as my kiddos!!) about being patient (while waiting for something exciting to happen), being present (in those moments that seem to rush by way too fast), and holding onto those precious memories to relive them again and again after *today* has passed.
Beyond the main text, a story that celebrates a fun summer family vacation where the child gets to visit their grandpa and cousins, the back matter with tips on being mindful and calming anxiety as you appreciate the here-and-now is extremely informative and helpful!
Stephanie Graegin's illustrations are warm and inviting, evoking a perfect summer day and the joy of family reunions.
This book about the way time stretches and shrinks, and sometimes stands still, is a great way to talk to kids (& adults!!--I needed this just as much as my kiddos!!) about being patient (while waiting for something exciting to happen), being present (in those moments that seem to rush by way too fast), and holding onto those precious memories to relive them again and again after *today* has passed.
Beyond the main text, a story that celebrates a fun summer family vacation where the child gets to visit their grandpa and cousins, the back matter with tips on being mindful and calming anxiety as you appreciate the here-and-now is extremely informative and helpful!
Stephanie Graegin's illustrations are warm and inviting, evoking a perfect summer day and the joy of family reunions.
May 19, 2025
This is a book to savor - just like today! The text perfectly explores the emotional experience of waiting, trying to get through the 'boring' parts of a day, wishing the 'fun' parts last longer, and the moments of being truly in the here-and-now. The illustrations layer on a story of a child waiting to be taking on vacation -- through the clock ticking, and parents yapping with the neighbors, an interminable car ride, and then finally getting there, and all the fun moments that come at a vacation house with family and friends. Altogether, the text and illustrations blend to create a thoughtful story of mindfulness, presented in a very kid-friendly and accessible way. Back matter includes a definition of mindfulness and what you can do when you're tempted to fast-forward through an experience. All in all, a truly enjoyable story that kids will want to read and experience again.
April 21, 2024
There is something so empathic about this book. Gabi Snyder GETS the intensity of childhood day-to-day challenges and understand how, for little people, elastic time has a way of dragging on too slowly, or flying by too quickly, making you wish you could either escape today altogether or capture it for eternity. Clear, simple back matter introduces the concepts of mindfulness and meditation. Stephanie Graegin's gentle illustrations in a soft blue-green pallet are perfect for bedtime and I hope that parents and children reading this book will be tempted to try a bedtime meditation practice together.
April 22, 2024
Waiting is hard, especially when you’re really looking forward to a trip! This picture book shows how waiting can sometimes take a long time, but that being mindful while you wait can lead to extraordinary moments. And moments, they can become fantastic memories that you want to stretch out and have slow down. I loved the beautiful illustrations, and the way the book has children and caregivers actually take a moment to breathe and appreciate the moment they’re in. I also loved that there were further exercises and information in the back regarding mindfulness and anxiety. Such a lovely picture book with an important message!
April 23, 2024
Brief summary: A young child looks forward to visiting Pop-Pop and cousins. The day has arrived with time that stretches out too long, like the drive to get there, while others go by quickly, such as the fireworks.
Comments: The book reminds young readers to be mindful of the present moment and notice what is happening to help create memories.
The back sections of the book are What is Mindfulness?, Appreciating the Here and Now, When You're Temped to Fast-Forward, and When You're Feeling Anxious or Worried.
The illustrations were created in Adobe Fresco, Adobe Photoshop, pencil, and watercolor.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Comments: The book reminds young readers to be mindful of the present moment and notice what is happening to help create memories.
The back sections of the book are What is Mindfulness?, Appreciating the Here and Now, When You're Temped to Fast-Forward, and When You're Feeling Anxious or Worried.
The illustrations were created in Adobe Fresco, Adobe Photoshop, pencil, and watercolor.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
March 23, 2024
Gabi Snyder’s lyrical text and Stephanie Graegin’s classic illustrations take young readers through a magical day of ups and downs that will keep them engaged until the very end. This story will undoubtedly take you back to some of your favorite moments as a child, and so will the heartwarming illustrations. It is a beautifully done show-versus-tell a story about mindfulness through various situations, including loss. The robust backmatter reinforces the mindful behaviors highlighted in the story. Perfect for any school or home library.
April 3, 2024
This book is not just for kids, but adults too. TODAY celebrates living in the present and embracing the nice and not so nice moments of our lives. Every child can relate with family moments captured in the book. A good resource to discuss the importance of bonding with extended family and reliving memories.
The minimal text is easy to read.
Illustrator Stephanie Graegin's artwork with cool tones is soothing.
The backmatter contains self help tips to cultivate mindfulness and dealing with anxiety.
The minimal text is easy to read.
Illustrator Stephanie Graegin's artwork with cool tones is soothing.
The backmatter contains self help tips to cultivate mindfulness and dealing with anxiety.
May 12, 2024
In this story a young child is first waiting for, and then participating in, a visit to the lake where they can spend time with their grandfather and cousins. The day is full of joy, love, and laughter and ends all to quickly. However, they can always revisit the day through their memories.
Today can either zip by in a flash or drag on forever, depending on whether you're waiting for something fun to happen or if you're already having the best day ever. By learning to practice mindfulness, children can better appreciate the here and now.
Today can either zip by in a flash or drag on forever, depending on whether you're waiting for something fun to happen or if you're already having the best day ever. By learning to practice mindfulness, children can better appreciate the here and now.
May 31, 2024
What a wonderful story to share with young readers told with sparse, lulling text and illustrated with engaging and delightful images. I can see this book being read to a circle of children, side by side with a child, and a book that a child can page through on their own. Not an easy feat! I love that this is also a story that incorporates mindfulness and an exploration of 'time'. This book has many layers - but first and foremost it is a wonderful story with very engaging illustrations. Highly recommended. (I felt calmer after reading this book, too!)
February 6, 2024
A book about waiting, and now, and mindfulness. I like how this book shows that being fully present/mindful in the now can help you in future rough times because you'll have those memories from good times that are richer and fuller.
In a way, the illustrations are a bit simple, but they're also lovely. This a book just full of "simple" but wonderful summer time spent with family (parents, cousins, grandpa, aunt and uncle).
In a way, the illustrations are a bit simple, but they're also lovely. This a book just full of "simple" but wonderful summer time spent with family (parents, cousins, grandpa, aunt and uncle).
April 15, 2024
What a beautiful book! This is one of those stories that can resonate so deeply with adults as well as kids -- I feel especially parents to little kids where an hour can sometimes feel like eternity but the years pass by in a flash. How do we all be more mindful to enjoy the present moment?! I love the pages at the back which talk more about how to be mindful and are really easy to read to a preschooler/young kid and start a conversation. Also the illustrations are amazing!
August 8, 2024
Sometimes today seems to STRE-E-E-TCH out forever when you're waiting for something to happen and you just want time to speed up. Sometimes today seems to fly by when you're surrounded by people you love and you are having fun. Sometimes today is painful or scary or boring or exciting or happy or joyful. But however today feels, you can be mindful in that moment. A nice introduction to what it means to be mindful. And the pictures are lovely!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews