What do you think?
Rate this book
Late Today
A resonant reminder to make the time to be kind, set in the bustling city of Seoul.
One rainy morning, the Seogang Bridge hums with traffic—and in between the cars is a tiny kitten. People mutter to themselves, but no one wants to stop or slow down. The raindrops pelt the road; the cars screech and honk; the kitten mews. Finally one car pulls over…
With atmospheric art by acclaimed illustrator Myungae Lee, Late Today asks readers to choose compassion in the midst of busyness. This stirring story is perfect for cat lovers, city dwellers, and anyone who’s ever lost themselves in the rush of life.
One rainy morning, the Seogang Bridge hums with traffic—and in between the cars is a tiny kitten. People mutter to themselves, but no one wants to stop or slow down. The raindrops pelt the road; the cars screech and honk; the kitten mews. Finally one car pulls over…
With atmospheric art by acclaimed illustrator Myungae Lee, Late Today asks readers to choose compassion in the midst of busyness. This stirring story is perfect for cat lovers, city dwellers, and anyone who’s ever lost themselves in the rush of life.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published September 23, 2025
2 people are currently reading
3660 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 3, 2026
A kitten is inexplicably trying to navigate a bridge during rush hour. Will anyone stop to help? Very lovely illustrations by Myungae Lee for this simple tale.
April 4, 2025
Ohhhh myyyyy gooossshh.
Junyoon Huh’s Late Today is one of those illustrated—shoutout to illustrator Myungae Lee—children’s books that I’d generally classify as universal age. The thing is, I’m of the mind that the lesson in this story is one most children already understand inherently. But it’s the sort of lesson that adults kind of forget?
Late Today, with gorgeous artwork, tells a story of the bystander effect. When faced with personal requirements such as needing to be on time to your life expectations, traffic, and the inherent obstacle of interrupting those things to put forth effort, so many people will often assume and hope that another person will take care of the thing that needs taking care of. And in such a situation, it often results in no one stepping up. In this story, the being in need of help is a kitten attempting to navigate traffic.
This book honestly hit me rather hard—the area I live in, unfortunately, has often been repeatedly subject to dogs of all sizes attempting to navigate various forms of traffic. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been forced to reckon with this question: can I be late today to ensure this animal is returned to safety? For me, I have personally gotten into a rhythm here—I don’t assume someone will take care of the situation. I have my city’s two animal support numbers in my phone (learning that I live on a county border line was fun!) and I’ve followed animals to their homes before (it’s an unfortunate truth that some of my neighbors will let their dogs wander). But the fact of the matter is that a lot of people will simply drive past and hope someone else will take care of it.
Late Today is a reminder to all, young and old, to not let the bystander effect get you. It’s a call to action for any who see someone struggling. And I think the book, as a whole, offers an incredible opportunity to remind those who are older of this important lesson but also to aid them in teaching children not only about this affect but how to combat it. And I, personally, could not be more thrilled to have that opportunity at my fingertips.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Junyoon Huh’s Late Today is one of those illustrated—shoutout to illustrator Myungae Lee—children’s books that I’d generally classify as universal age. The thing is, I’m of the mind that the lesson in this story is one most children already understand inherently. But it’s the sort of lesson that adults kind of forget?
Late Today, with gorgeous artwork, tells a story of the bystander effect. When faced with personal requirements such as needing to be on time to your life expectations, traffic, and the inherent obstacle of interrupting those things to put forth effort, so many people will often assume and hope that another person will take care of the thing that needs taking care of. And in such a situation, it often results in no one stepping up. In this story, the being in need of help is a kitten attempting to navigate traffic.
This book honestly hit me rather hard—the area I live in, unfortunately, has often been repeatedly subject to dogs of all sizes attempting to navigate various forms of traffic. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been forced to reckon with this question: can I be late today to ensure this animal is returned to safety? For me, I have personally gotten into a rhythm here—I don’t assume someone will take care of the situation. I have my city’s two animal support numbers in my phone (learning that I live on a county border line was fun!) and I’ve followed animals to their homes before (it’s an unfortunate truth that some of my neighbors will let their dogs wander). But the fact of the matter is that a lot of people will simply drive past and hope someone else will take care of it.
Late Today is a reminder to all, young and old, to not let the bystander effect get you. It’s a call to action for any who see someone struggling. And I think the book, as a whole, offers an incredible opportunity to remind those who are older of this important lesson but also to aid them in teaching children not only about this affect but how to combat it. And I, personally, could not be more thrilled to have that opportunity at my fingertips.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2025
I really liked the general idea of this book, but I think that it was almost *too* simplistic, and lacked depth. What I mean by this is book felt like it was only an outline and not a fully-formed story. It was very difficult to feel invested in this story because there was zero character development. Readers barely see the kind character that saves the kitten, and no names are given. The best and most consistent part was the cat, honestly. Adding onto that, I think that it would help the message come through much better if some sort of connection (it doesn't have to be big) was made between the reader and the book's character(s), other than the cat. However, that was really the only thing that didn't work for me in this story. As I mentioned earlier I liked the idea - it was heartwarming and different in a way. Lastly, the illustrations were absolutely stunning. The rain was present for most of the book, and was illustrated in such a way that it came to life. The way the kitten was drawn was also very adorable, so I give lots of kudos to the illustrator.
August 5, 2025
Richie’s Picks: LATE TODAY by Jungyoon Huh; Myungae Lee, ill.; and Aerin Park, trans., Eerdmans, September 2025, 40p., ISBN: 978-0-8028-5649-4
“If I have a care in the world
I have a gift to bring”
– Indigo Girls, “Hammer and a Nail” (1990)
“8:15 A.M.
We can’t be late today.”
“A kitten, barely two weeks old, was crossing the bridge.
She jumped over the wheels and over the cars, as if leaping over hill after hill.
Darting back and forth, the kitten didn’t know where to go.”
Come on! It’s a children’s picture book. Surely, there won’t be the deadly smoosh that a typical adult reader will instinctively brace for. Nevertheless, my heart started to race a bit as the illustrations portrayed the honking and grumbling, and the soggy kitty nearly out of its mind, not knowing which way to turn.
I turned the page.
“‘What’s a cat doing in a place like this?’
No one wanted to see a tiny creature hurt, especially not so early in the morning, but no one had the courage to save her.”
It’s raining and then, apparently, hailing on South Korea’s Seogang Bridge as the poor kitten is trapped in its fear. But, just in time, a compassionate mother stops the car, modeling the bravery that one hopes will inspire her fictional child, as well as the pre-k and kindergarten audiences for which this book will absolutely captivate.
The kitty is rescued, and everyone will breathe a happy sigh of relief.
Award-winning illustrator Myungae Lee employs colored pencils and oil pastels to depict, from multiple perspectives, the sights and sounds involving the traffic jam, the storm, and the kitty.
The mother and child will, in fact, be late today. But, as we are learning, some things are worth being late for.
Bravo!
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“If I have a care in the world
I have a gift to bring”
– Indigo Girls, “Hammer and a Nail” (1990)
“8:15 A.M.
We can’t be late today.”
“A kitten, barely two weeks old, was crossing the bridge.
She jumped over the wheels and over the cars, as if leaping over hill after hill.
Darting back and forth, the kitten didn’t know where to go.”
Come on! It’s a children’s picture book. Surely, there won’t be the deadly smoosh that a typical adult reader will instinctively brace for. Nevertheless, my heart started to race a bit as the illustrations portrayed the honking and grumbling, and the soggy kitty nearly out of its mind, not knowing which way to turn.
I turned the page.
“‘What’s a cat doing in a place like this?’
No one wanted to see a tiny creature hurt, especially not so early in the morning, but no one had the courage to save her.”
It’s raining and then, apparently, hailing on South Korea’s Seogang Bridge as the poor kitten is trapped in its fear. But, just in time, a compassionate mother stops the car, modeling the bravery that one hopes will inspire her fictional child, as well as the pre-k and kindergarten audiences for which this book will absolutely captivate.
The kitty is rescued, and everyone will breathe a happy sigh of relief.
Award-winning illustrator Myungae Lee employs colored pencils and oil pastels to depict, from multiple perspectives, the sights and sounds involving the traffic jam, the storm, and the kitty.
The mother and child will, in fact, be late today. But, as we are learning, some things are worth being late for.
Bravo!
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
April 11, 2025
Late Today by Jungyoon Huh, with expressive illustrations by Myungae Lee, is a beautifully simple yet deeply moving picture book that captures a fleeting moment of compassion in the middle of everyday chaos. Set during a stormy morning rush hour, the story follows a frightened stray kitten scrambling through traffic, searching for shelter as the city hurries on, largely unaware—or unwilling—to pause.
What makes this story stand out is its quiet power. Amid honking horns and hurried footsteps, one driver chooses to stop, rescuing the kitten and reminding readers—both young and old—that kindness is always worth the delay. Though everyone ends up being late, the kitten finds a new beginning, and we are left reflecting on the value of slowing down for what truly matters.
Myungae Lee’s crayon-like, sketchy illustrations add raw emotion and urgency to the pages. The artwork is vibrant and intentionally imperfect, echoing the disorder of the city and the vulnerability of the tiny creature at its center. It's a perfect fit for young readers, making the story visually engaging while reinforcing the emotional core of the narrative.
Jungyoon Huh's dedication—to a kitten she couldn't save—adds an extra layer of poignancy and authenticity. This isn't just a sweet story; it’s a heartfelt reminder of the moments we let slip by, and the impact of choosing empathy, even during life’s busiest moments.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this lovely book
Read more on the blog ✍️ https://soulfulshelves.blogspot.com/
What makes this story stand out is its quiet power. Amid honking horns and hurried footsteps, one driver chooses to stop, rescuing the kitten and reminding readers—both young and old—that kindness is always worth the delay. Though everyone ends up being late, the kitten finds a new beginning, and we are left reflecting on the value of slowing down for what truly matters.
Myungae Lee’s crayon-like, sketchy illustrations add raw emotion and urgency to the pages. The artwork is vibrant and intentionally imperfect, echoing the disorder of the city and the vulnerability of the tiny creature at its center. It's a perfect fit for young readers, making the story visually engaging while reinforcing the emotional core of the narrative.
Jungyoon Huh's dedication—to a kitten she couldn't save—adds an extra layer of poignancy and authenticity. This isn't just a sweet story; it’s a heartfelt reminder of the moments we let slip by, and the impact of choosing empathy, even during life’s busiest moments.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this lovely book
Read more on the blog ✍️ https://soulfulshelves.blogspot.com/
August 19, 2025
On a rainy morning in Seoul, a black kitten dashes between cars traveling on the Seogang Bridge, filled with busy with people determined not to be late. Will anyone stop to help the kitten mewing amongst the frustrated honks and beeps?
Late Today by Jungyoon Huh is a story of kindness, compassion, and a reminder to shift your focus from the busyness of life. A simple yet powerful message is conveyed throughout the book's pages. Late Today is one of those books that proves a succinct story can clearly communicate deep emotions to its reader.
The atmospheric artwork by Myungae Lee is just as powerful as the text. It captures the darkness of the cloud-filled sky, the jam-packed bridge filled with morning commuters, the driving rain, and the skittish black kitten darting in and out of traffic seeking shelter. I loved how the artist chose a very different version of the same scene to end the book, conveying an all is well message.
If you're looking to share a story of kindness and compassion with your youngster, Late Today is a superb choice.
Late Today by Jungyoon Huh is a story of kindness, compassion, and a reminder to shift your focus from the busyness of life. A simple yet powerful message is conveyed throughout the book's pages. Late Today is one of those books that proves a succinct story can clearly communicate deep emotions to its reader.
The atmospheric artwork by Myungae Lee is just as powerful as the text. It captures the darkness of the cloud-filled sky, the jam-packed bridge filled with morning commuters, the driving rain, and the skittish black kitten darting in and out of traffic seeking shelter. I loved how the artist chose a very different version of the same scene to end the book, conveying an all is well message.
If you're looking to share a story of kindness and compassion with your youngster, Late Today is a superb choice.
November 13, 2025
I absolutely love Late Today, which tells the story of a kitten rescue that causes a traffic jam resulting in late arrivals to work and school.
As driver after driver passes the kitten, tension rises. The reader wonders, "Where are Huh and Lee going with this?" Each passer-by who lets the kitten be the next person's problem offers thoughts (and prayers, perhaps?) and is described as not having the "courage" to help. We can readily recognize the kitten as a stand-in for any vulnerable group. When someone does finally stop, it is only after hesitation. And when they do stop, they are afraid it may already be too late. Late Today is a brilliant allegory for children about the impact of taking action even when no one else does, even if you hesitate at first. One can make a difference. The narrator generously says that everyone was fine with being late since the kitten was saved, and my cynical self says, "Oh no they weren't!," but I really do appreciate that the narrator models giving other the benefit of the doubt in what is demonstrably an uncomfortable situation.
As driver after driver passes the kitten, tension rises. The reader wonders, "Where are Huh and Lee going with this?" Each passer-by who lets the kitten be the next person's problem offers thoughts (and prayers, perhaps?) and is described as not having the "courage" to help. We can readily recognize the kitten as a stand-in for any vulnerable group. When someone does finally stop, it is only after hesitation. And when they do stop, they are afraid it may already be too late. Late Today is a brilliant allegory for children about the impact of taking action even when no one else does, even if you hesitate at first. One can make a difference. The narrator generously says that everyone was fine with being late since the kitten was saved, and my cynical self says, "Oh no they weren't!," but I really do appreciate that the narrator models giving other the benefit of the doubt in what is demonstrably an uncomfortable situation.
April 7, 2025
I am reviewing an ARC I received via NetGalley.
This affecting picture book expertly captures a small moment in time. The art uses texture, motion, and unique page layouts to convey the bustling, chaotic energy of morning rush hour. One page in particular stands out to me, in which small square panels show the tiny black kitten, caught in the middle of the road, hopping, leaping, and clambering over and under car tires.
The translation here gives the text a unique quality, noting that while many drivers see the kitten but fail to stop, "It was the kind of thing where no one can point a finger and call 'coward,' even when someone ignores what's happening and passes by." Thankfully, one car does stop; in doing so, everyone is made a little more late, but at the same time, the tiny kitten is saved.
This is a very fine, non-preachy title about compassion and taking the time to do what our conscience calls us to do.
This affecting picture book expertly captures a small moment in time. The art uses texture, motion, and unique page layouts to convey the bustling, chaotic energy of morning rush hour. One page in particular stands out to me, in which small square panels show the tiny black kitten, caught in the middle of the road, hopping, leaping, and clambering over and under car tires.
The translation here gives the text a unique quality, noting that while many drivers see the kitten but fail to stop, "It was the kind of thing where no one can point a finger and call 'coward,' even when someone ignores what's happening and passes by." Thankfully, one car does stop; in doing so, everyone is made a little more late, but at the same time, the tiny kitten is saved.
This is a very fine, non-preachy title about compassion and taking the time to do what our conscience calls us to do.
July 28, 2025
Traffic is stop-and-go on a bridge in Seoul during a morning’s rainy day commute. Stress is compounded by a tiny kitten trying to cross the bridge. Will she make it safely? Will anyone stop and help?
Clever design and brief reporting-like text keeps the focus on the the little ball of fur, while the dramatic tension is amped up by spreads of rain interrupting the pages of story. Another spread of graphic panels conveys the frenetic action of the kitten’s efforts to stay safe among the wheels of vehicles. Views of commuters justifying their inaction and a view from above showing the slow moving cars with a tiny kitten running between add to the drama. Finally, a car with a mom and a kid, seen at the beginning, stops and scoops up the kitten and we all breathe a sign of relief. The colored pencil and oil pastel artwork excels at zooming in and out to create real drama, and anyone with a morning commute will identify with the choices one must make between helping and rushing.
Clever design and brief reporting-like text keeps the focus on the the little ball of fur, while the dramatic tension is amped up by spreads of rain interrupting the pages of story. Another spread of graphic panels conveys the frenetic action of the kitten’s efforts to stay safe among the wheels of vehicles. Views of commuters justifying their inaction and a view from above showing the slow moving cars with a tiny kitten running between add to the drama. Finally, a car with a mom and a kid, seen at the beginning, stops and scoops up the kitten and we all breathe a sign of relief. The colored pencil and oil pastel artwork excels at zooming in and out to create real drama, and anyone with a morning commute will identify with the choices one must make between helping and rushing.
January 15, 2026
I found Late Today through a Kirkus review, and it stayed with me enough that I ordered it. The day it arrived, I sat down and flipped through the pages, and almost immediately I was drawn in. The simplicity of the illustrations did more than I expected — the storytelling through the art alone moved me. There’s a page with nothing but rain, and somehow that single image carries so much weight. You understand the rain, and you understand the role it plays, without needing words.
The story follows a small kitten trying to cross an interstate. People see the kitten. They notice the struggle. But most don’t stop. That quiet acknowledgment, and what people choose to do or not do is where the story finds its power. The text is restrained, and because of that, every moment feels more meaningful.
This is a story about compassion. About not just seeing a life trying to live but choosing to act is what changes everything.
The story follows a small kitten trying to cross an interstate. People see the kitten. They notice the struggle. But most don’t stop. That quiet acknowledgment, and what people choose to do or not do is where the story finds its power. The text is restrained, and because of that, every moment feels more meaningful.
This is a story about compassion. About not just seeing a life trying to live but choosing to act is what changes everything.
April 27, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for providing me with an early copy.
I will be honest with my review. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the premise of the story is not bad. It is very relevant to today's communities that we are always in a rush to get to our destination, that we turn a blind eye to those in need, in this case, a cat.
The story feels like a first draft and not fully fleshed out. I think a few more words could have added more to it, and I could have connected with what was happening. Additionally, the font of the text was somewhat unusual. This could have been just me.
Overall, the moral of the story was good, but it was just missing something extra.
I will be honest with my review. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the premise of the story is not bad. It is very relevant to today's communities that we are always in a rush to get to our destination, that we turn a blind eye to those in need, in this case, a cat.
The story feels like a first draft and not fully fleshed out. I think a few more words could have added more to it, and I could have connected with what was happening. Additionally, the font of the text was somewhat unusual. This could have been just me.
Overall, the moral of the story was good, but it was just missing something extra.
April 30, 2025
I visited Seoul nearly 30 years ago, and was struck by the ant like busyness of the people on the streets. I noticed it because I was desperate for some help, and while most of the people I looked at nodded politely at me, no one stopped.
This story takes a moment to highlight the importance of kindness in a world that is becoming increasingly full of people who feel time poor and are often criminally self absorbed.
On a rainy day in the South Korean capital, few are inclined to stop and help a kitten that has wondered into the traffic. But luckily, there are always those who can somehow make time despite being subject to the 24 hour cycle that everyone else is also manoeuvring within.
Compassionate and charming, with atmospheric illustrations, this is worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This story takes a moment to highlight the importance of kindness in a world that is becoming increasingly full of people who feel time poor and are often criminally self absorbed.
On a rainy day in the South Korean capital, few are inclined to stop and help a kitten that has wondered into the traffic. But luckily, there are always those who can somehow make time despite being subject to the 24 hour cycle that everyone else is also manoeuvring within.
Compassionate and charming, with atmospheric illustrations, this is worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 6, 2025
This is a very simple picture book about taking action. So many of us watch, and hope “somebody” does something, as though we are the audience to life.
The story takes place on a rainy day in Seoul. A boy and his mother can’t be late. But there is a kitten in the road.
And yes, the mother stops, because she can’t let the kitten get hit. Even though everyone around her drives on, because they can’t be late. The answer is, sometimes you have to be late to do the right thing.
May we all do the right thing.
Lovely illustrations. The lesson does not really hit us over the head, but does push us to see the fault amongst us.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 23rd of September 2025.
The story takes place on a rainy day in Seoul. A boy and his mother can’t be late. But there is a kitten in the road.
And yes, the mother stops, because she can’t let the kitten get hit. Even though everyone around her drives on, because they can’t be late. The answer is, sometimes you have to be late to do the right thing.
May we all do the right thing.
Lovely illustrations. The lesson does not really hit us over the head, but does push us to see the fault amongst us.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 23rd of September 2025.
May 26, 2025
4 stars.
🐈 The vibes:
- children’s book
- Beautiful illustrations
- Themes of slowing down in a busy life
- Cutie cat
🐈 My thoughts:
A kitten is lost in the busy, chaotic city of Seoul. The little kitty is need of help but everyone seems to be too busy to stop.
🐈 This was such an adorable, short book for kiddos. I love the themes in here to slow down and also to do what’s right by helping others, no matter how small.
🐈 The ending felt abrupt and I wanted to see a conclusion for the little kitty, but overall I think this was a beautiful book and as a bonus, the illustrations were very eye catching.
🐈 Release date: September 23, 2025.
Thank you so much to Jungyoon Huh, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, and
NetGalley for the gifted copy.
🐈 The vibes:
- children’s book
- Beautiful illustrations
- Themes of slowing down in a busy life
- Cutie cat
🐈 My thoughts:
A kitten is lost in the busy, chaotic city of Seoul. The little kitty is need of help but everyone seems to be too busy to stop.
🐈 This was such an adorable, short book for kiddos. I love the themes in here to slow down and also to do what’s right by helping others, no matter how small.
🐈 The ending felt abrupt and I wanted to see a conclusion for the little kitty, but overall I think this was a beautiful book and as a bonus, the illustrations were very eye catching.
🐈 Release date: September 23, 2025.
Thank you so much to Jungyoon Huh, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, and
NetGalley for the gifted copy.
September 24, 2025
Late Today is the cutest book ever. There is a kitten that has gotten onto the freeway and is running loose as it has no clue what to do, but drivers aren’t stopping because they do not want to be late to where ever they are going.
The story is so true, all over the world this happens with kitties and pups, and sometimes there are people that stop and help them. The illustrations are so wonderful, the illustrator really takes the time to get everything right and the art really brings the urgency of the story out. This is such a cute book and will make a great addition to any library.
This review copy was provided by Edelweiss
The story is so true, all over the world this happens with kitties and pups, and sometimes there are people that stop and help them. The illustrations are so wonderful, the illustrator really takes the time to get everything right and the art really brings the urgency of the story out. This is such a cute book and will make a great addition to any library.
This review copy was provided by Edelweiss
October 14, 2025
In Late Today, Jungyoon Huh shares a touching story about a kitten and the power of compassion.
Myungae Lee beautifully illustrates a rainy morning commute on the Seogang Bridge in Seoul, where a small kitten has lost her way. Everyone is rushing—too busy to stop and help.
But all it takes is one person to slow down. Soon, others begin to realize that caring for those in need matters more. This beautiful story will teach your kids the importance of kindness. While no one wants to be late, it’s even more important to be loving.
I received a media copy of Late Today and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
Myungae Lee beautifully illustrates a rainy morning commute on the Seogang Bridge in Seoul, where a small kitten has lost her way. Everyone is rushing—too busy to stop and help.
But all it takes is one person to slow down. Soon, others begin to realize that caring for those in need matters more. This beautiful story will teach your kids the importance of kindness. While no one wants to be late, it’s even more important to be loving.
I received a media copy of Late Today and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
January 11, 2026
Commuters during morning rush hour see a stray kitten darting through traffic on the Seogang Bridge in Seoul, South Korea, and hope someone else will rescue it.
This story demonstrates the bystander effect, which is a psychological phenomenon in which people are less likely to offer help in the presence of other people who would also render aid. It also shows how often people want to help but are unable to do so due to circumstances, for example, because they will be late for work or because it is dangerous to run out into busy traffic to attempt to rescue an animal.
The illustrations were done in colored pencil and oil pastel.
This story demonstrates the bystander effect, which is a psychological phenomenon in which people are less likely to offer help in the presence of other people who would also render aid. It also shows how often people want to help but are unable to do so due to circumstances, for example, because they will be late for work or because it is dangerous to run out into busy traffic to attempt to rescue an animal.
The illustrations were done in colored pencil and oil pastel.
April 7, 2025
When a kitten is lost and stranded in the middle of busy morning traffic, everyone is terrified for the cat's wellbeing -- but no one wants to step up for fear of being late. Amidst all the hubbub, is there a single person conscientious enough to stop and pick the poor kitten up?
Alongside simple, gorgeous artwork, this is a beautifully poignant lesson in how some inconveniences are more than worth the hassle.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alongside simple, gorgeous artwork, this is a beautifully poignant lesson in how some inconveniences are more than worth the hassle.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2025
With a very distinct drawing style, Late Today tells the story of a lost tiny kitten, struggling on the road, under the rain, who gets first ignored by multiple people (with the bystander effect of no one acting to help) until, finally, one family stops to the rescue. It's touching and a bit sad. It encourages the reader to do the right thing if they encounter a similar situation, where someone needs help, but not one goes to give the help. You might be the one to act and give a helping hand in the end.
#LateToday #NetGalley 3,25/5
#LateToday #NetGalley 3,25/5
August 10, 2025
Thank you to Edelweiss for the advance PDF. I was interested in this book because it's about a stray kitten, and because the illustrations looked interesting. It is a serious book.
I liked the illustrations very much. I liked that the kitten was saved at the end. The story obviously has a deeper meaning because most of the book is about people being too busy or looking the other way of thinking someone else will help the kitten, so I could see this in a school unit about caring or "doing the right thing." It may have lost something in the translation from Korean.
I liked the illustrations very much. I liked that the kitten was saved at the end. The story obviously has a deeper meaning because most of the book is about people being too busy or looking the other way of thinking someone else will help the kitten, so I could see this in a school unit about caring or "doing the right thing." It may have lost something in the translation from Korean.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
Summary: The Seogang Bridge in Seoul, South Korea, is busy with morning traffic on a rainy day. There is a kitten darting between the cars trying to survive. Why isn't anyone stopping to help? Will anyone help?
Comments: The illustrations were created using colored pencils and oil pastels. They effectively complement and enhance the text. They help to create the gloomy, rainy day and the lightness at the end of the story.
What a wonderful read-aloud and discussion book.
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
Comments: The illustrations were created using colored pencils and oil pastels. They effectively complement and enhance the text. They help to create the gloomy, rainy day and the lightness at the end of the story.
What a wonderful read-aloud and discussion book.
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
October 19, 2025
A reminder that, whenever possible, the best choice is to show kindness. Especially to those that are unable to protect themselves. And even when it isn't convenient.
A child and mother are driving through pouring rain and heavy traffic during morning rush-hour in Seoul, South Korea. Bumper to bumper cars on a bridge and out of nowhere - there is a young kitten darting in and out of traffic! Everyone's in a hurry, no one can be late - but is there someone who is willing to attempt a rescue?
A child and mother are driving through pouring rain and heavy traffic during morning rush-hour in Seoul, South Korea. Bumper to bumper cars on a bridge and out of nowhere - there is a young kitten darting in and out of traffic! Everyone's in a hurry, no one can be late - but is there someone who is willing to attempt a rescue?
December 6, 2025
A heartbreakingly beautiful story about our world, full of people wanting to help but either too afraid or not knowing how to help. A boy and his mom are snarled in traffic on a bridge when a kitten desperately tries to cross, panicked, darting back and forth. Everyone stares, horrified, but not knowing how to help. It’s dangerous! It’s raining! There’s so many cars and buses. “Why is no one helping out?”
Based on the author’s true life experience.
Like Jungyoon Huh, I too am sorry for the those I thought I was unable to help.
Based on the author’s true life experience.
Like Jungyoon Huh, I too am sorry for the those I thought I was unable to help.
May 30, 2025
Late Today by Jungyoon Huh is a simple but deeply emotional tale of a small kitten lost in rush hour traffic. Illustrator Myungae Lee creates pictures that draw the reader into the scene, heavy with atmosphere and color. Will the kitten be rescued? Everyone is in a hurry? Who will stop and put themselves at risk for a small kitten? What will happen to the kitten if no one helps? This suspenseful picture book reminds us of the importance of kindness. It's a great choice for animal lovers.
June 22, 2025
A beautifully illustrated children’s book about a kitten who is trapped on a motorway in Seoul. What can it do? As it tries to escape dashing through the cars and risking its life, drivers and passengers alike are stricken. But what can they do? No one wants to be late.
A lovely story for children that reminds us that sometimes the right thing to do can be the inconvenient thing to do.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
A lovely story for children that reminds us that sometimes the right thing to do can be the inconvenient thing to do.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 26, 2025
This picture book is about rescuing a cat. A tiny kitten who gets stuck on a bridge while all the traffic is heading towards work and not paying attention. One child and parent pull over to find and rescue the kitten. The story is lovely. It is a Korean story that has been translated into English. The art style is not typical for American readers, but I think it will grow on them if they give it a chance.
September 20, 2025
I confess, I found this book pretty stressful to read. The author and illustrator convey a lot of tension in the weather, the traffic jam, and the precarious position of the kitten. If I were to quibble at all, it would be about the great danger to drivers when someone stops amid this kind of traffic for any reason. However the overall idea, of pausing in your busy day to care for creatures and people that need you is worth sharing.
September 23, 2025
This book does an excellent job of depicting a busy, rainy day in the city while a vulnerable kitten wanders through traffic. This is a wonderful message for children to read about, which is to be courageous enough to take action to help a struggling animal. Myungae Lee’s illustrations show great detail depicting the cat’s movements through traffic and the rainfall over the city of Seoul.
Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.
Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.
November 12, 2025
Author Jungyoon Huh and illustrator Myungae Lee team up to create a sweet story about courage and the importance of one. When a kitten finds itself in a precarious situation, many notice, but one finally has the courage to stop and act. Huh writes a simple but powerful story. Lee's illustrations, created with colored pencil and oil pastel, augment the text and convey the emotion of the characters.
This is a nice supplemental choice for library collections.
This is a nice supplemental choice for library collections.
March 14, 2026
Poor little kitten. Out in the rain. In the busy traffic of Seoul. No one stops to help the kitty. Then one day, the kitty is nowhere to be found. Did the poor little thing get hitting by one of the rushing cars. Finally someone takes the time to stop and search. They find the little one, bedraggled but alive.
I am not sure if I would classify this book as a bedtime story but it is a reminder that sometimes we all need to stop and help.
Four purrs and two paws up.
I am not sure if I would classify this book as a bedtime story but it is a reminder that sometimes we all need to stop and help.
Four purrs and two paws up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews