Book

Today We Have No Plans

📖 Overview

Today We Have No Plans follows a family through their week, contrasting their busy scheduled days with a slower-paced Sunday. Each weekday involves specific activities and commitments that keep the family members moving at a swift pace. The story takes readers through Monday to Saturday, documenting the routines and responsibilities that fill each day. The narrative builds toward Sunday, which presents a marked shift in the family's rhythm and activities. The gentle text and watercolor illustrations establish a reflection on modern family life and the value of unstructured time. Through its parallel between weekday bustle and weekend leisure, the book speaks to the universal experience of finding balance between activity and rest.

👀 Reviews

Parents and educators commend this book for capturing the contrast between busy weekdays and relaxed weekends in a family's life. Many readers note it helps children understand weekly routines and appreciate downtime. Likes: - Soft, watercolor illustrations that convey mood - Simple rhyming text that young children follow easily - Realistic portrayal of modern family schedules - Message about valuing unstructured time Dislikes: - Some find the story too basic - A few mention it's forgettable compared to Walker's other books Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (142 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (28 reviews) One parent wrote: "Perfect for overscheduled families - helped us discuss making time to just be together." A librarian noted: "The illustrations do most of the storytelling, with minimal text needed." The book receives regular recommendations in parenting forums and school reading lists for ages 3-7.

📚 Similar books

All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant, Nikki McClure A family experiences moments of peace and togetherness between daily tasks and obligations.

Before Morning by Joyce Sidman A child's wish for snow creates an unexpected day of stillness and family connection.

The Moon's Almost Here by Patricia MacLachlan A parent and child observe nature's transitions during their evening routine before bedtime.

Time for Bed by Mem Fox Animals and their offspring prepare for sleep through comforting bedtime rituals.

In the Night Garden by Barbara Joosse A mother and child share observations of nature during their nightly garden walk before sleep.

🤔 Interesting facts

🌟 This children's book celebrates the importance of unstructured time and "doing nothing" in a world where families are often overscheduled 📚 Author Anna Walker is an acclaimed Australian illustrator who creates her artwork using pencil, ink, and collage 🌍 The book was inspired by Walker's own experiences as a parent, observing the contrast between busy weekdays and relaxed weekends 🎨 The illustrations feature a gentle, watercolor style that perfectly captures both the hectic energy of weekdays and the peaceful moments of free time 🏆 Anna Walker has won multiple awards for her children's books, including the Children's Book Council of Australia's Picture Book of the Year for her work "Mr. Huff" (2016)