It is life’s simple moments that are often overlooked in the fast-paced world: sitting beneath new fruit blossoms in spring, untangling a kite caught in a tree in summer, building a snowman in the heart of winter, reflecting on the promise of the seasons. Illustrator G. Brian Karas emphasizes the deep meaning of simple moments with images he has created to accompany selected poems by the Japanese haiku master Issa. The haiku are arranged in the cycle of the seasons, while Karas’ artwork provides a lovely, cohesive visual narrative depicting one family’s living process over the course of the year. In the images is the story: the year is one marked by growth, celebration, and the eventual loss and mourning of a family elder. Karas incorporates traditional Japanese mixed-media elements into his art. The result is delicate images with a simplicity of style that underscores the idea of simplicity. An introductory note provides information on the haiku form. (Ages 7–10)

A kite carried by a spring breeze. A starry summer night. A warm blanket on a cool autumn day. Winter's first snowfall. Small moments like these are beautifully celebrated in this collection of small poems - haiku - by the beloved haiku master Issa. Selected and arranged by gifted illustrator G. Brian Karas to tell of an ordinary, extraordinary year in the life of one family, these haiku bring to light the preciousness of this moment, and the wonder of today. Poem by poem, the cycle of this family's life together unfolds with moments of simple joy and difficult loss-moments that connect us all. Award-winning artist G. Brian Karas has combined traditional materials - rice paper, wood plank, pencil, and paint - in untraditional ways, capturing with subtlety the profound effect of Issa's seemingly simple haiku. The inspired result is a treasure to share and ponder, as it opens our hearts to the unique wonders of today... and all the today's to come.