Wait

Antoinette Portis's 'Wait' is a tender picture book that beautifully captures the everyday tension between a child's natural curiosity and a parent's need for efficiency. As a mother and son navigate a busy city, the boy repeatedly calls out 'Wait!' to observe a dog, a butterfly, or a hungry duck, while his mother urges him forward towards a departing train. The narrative gently explores the different rhythms of parent and child, culminating in a heartwarming moment where they both find something truly worth stopping for. It's a lovely read-aloud for ages 3-7, perfect for sparking conversations about mindfulness and appreciating the small joys in life.

As a boy and his mother move quickly through the city, they're drawn to different things. The boy sees a dog, a butterfly, and a hungry duck while his mother rushes them toward the departing train. It's push and pull, but in the end, they both find something to stop for. Acclaimed author/illustrator Antoinette Portis' signature style conveys feelings of warmth, curiosity, humor and tenderness in this simple, evocative story. A Neal Porter Book