Waiting

Kevin Henkes's Caldecott Honor book, "Waiting," introduces five endearing toy friends, an owl, a puppy, a bear, a rabbit, and a pig, who patiently sit on a windowsill. Each character waits for a specific natural phenomenon: the moon, rain, wind, or snow, while the rabbit simply enjoys the act of waiting itself. This gentle picture book beautifully normalizes the universal childhood experience of waiting, transforming it into an opportunity for observation, wonder, and shared companionship. It's a quiet, contemplative read perfect for sparking conversations about patience, the changing seasons, and the joy of anticipation. Ideal for children aged 3-7, it encourages imaginative play and offers a comforting, heartwarming narrative.

What are you waiting for? An owl, a puppy, a bear, a rabbit, and a pig wait for marvelous things to happen in this irresistible and resonant picture book by the New York Times–bestselling and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes. Five friends sit happily on a windowsill, waiting for something amazing to happen. The owl is waiting for the moon. The pig is waiting for the rain. The bear is waiting for the wind. The puppy is waiting for the snow. And the rabbit is just looking out the window because he likes to wait! What will happen? Will patience win in the end? Or someday will the friends stop waiting and do something unexpected? Waiting is a big part of childhood—waiting in line, waiting to grow up, waiting for something special to happen—but in this book, a child sets the stage and pulls the strings. Timeless, beautiful, and deeply heartfelt, this picture book about imaginative play, the seasons, friendship, and surprises is a Caldecott Honor and Geisel Honor Book. Share Waiting alongside Mo Willems's Waiting Is Not Easy at home or in a classroom—these books about waiting for kids will be enjoyed as picture book stories and also allow kids to explore their emotions about that ultimate frustration: waiting. “The short sentences of the text flow with the precision one would expect from a master picture-book creator like Henkes. Little ones, to whom each experience is new, will know what it’s like to dream and wait.”—ALA Booklist