Just for Today [Hardcover]

Jan Phillips (Author), Alison Bonds Shapiro (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Just for Today shows children and their families what fun it can be to unplug from their busy lives and spend the day together. In an increasingly busy world, Mr. and Mrs. Bear have a radical plan. Just for today, the Bear family is going to do nothing but enjoy one another's company. Overjoyed, Brother and Sister Bear begin by hiding all the clocks they can find, and Mr. and Mrs. Bear promise no nagging or scolding. Next it's on to finger painting, a trip to the park, and more. The challenge is, how many fun, relaxing, and silly activities can the family engage in before nightfall? Rich, four-color illustrations depict the wonderful time in store for a family that takes some time off.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1–"Wake up, sleepy heads!/We have a surprise./It's just for today,/So open your eyes." So begins this story about bear parents who forego all of their usual routines and give their children their full attention. Even the dog and cat get in on the fun of family finger painting, walking barefoot, watching the stars, and saying prayers. Telling silly jokes, flying paper airplanes, and eating popcorn for breakfast are also part of the festivities. Shapiro's dreamy watercolors are charming–fancy hats and cheery home scenes abound. Unfortunately, there are problems with the rhyme and meter. Also, one must wonder if children will appreciate the idea of their parents turning off "The telephone and faxes./All the world will have to wait,/Including bills and taxes." Although the concept of a whole family playing hooky is appealing, this uneven effort falls flat.–Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library, CT
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HJ Kramer/New World Library (March 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932073078
• ISBN-13: 978-1932073072
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 9.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,106,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If Only..., April 2, 2005

By 

Deborah A. Tramontana (Panama City, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Just for Today (Hardcover)

all our busy families occasionally took time to JUST enjoy each other's company. This simple, yet inspiring, read aloud will make children yearn for days just like that and, hopefully prompt harried moms and dads to take time to savor the families they've created. The delightful verse of the story comes joyfully to life with bright, fun, water-colored illustrations. This is a book to read over and over.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun and thought-provoking picturebook story, July 6, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just for Today (Hardcover)

Alison Bonds Shapiro illustrates the radical story of a Bear family who decides to defy an increasingly busy world by turning off phones, faxes, and more. Beginning with parents promising a day free of nagging to bear cubs who decide to hide all the clocks, Just For Today by Jan Phillips evolves into a fun and thought-provoking picturebook story.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Winsome day, April 8, 2005

By 

Susan Jones (Longwood, Fl., USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just for Today (Hardcover)

Just For Today is a delightful little book. It is about the kind of a day that many children dream about, when daily stress is gone and the hours are sweet with sharing and being with loved ones. There is time to pay attention to the lovely things in life and chores are put aside for a time. This is a sweet winsome book and I am sure children would enjoy it very much. I think this is a "read it again" story. There is a message for the grown-ups too, maybe spending time with loved ones is more important than getting everything done. The illustrations are beautiful -- a very special little book.