Waiting for Chicken Smith

David Mackintosh's "Waiting for Chicken Smith" is a gentle, heartwarming story about the bittersweet experience of anticipation during a summer vacation. A young boy is at his family's annual beach cabin, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his best friend, Chicken Smith. As he waits, he reminisces about their past adventures and dreams of future fun, often distracted by his persistent younger sister, MaryAnn. The book beautifully captures the feeling of longing for a friend, the joy of shared memories, and the subtle magic found in the quiet moments of waiting. It's a lovely read-aloud for preschoolers and early elementary children, and a comforting independent read for slightly older kids, encouraging them to notice the small wonders around them.

A story about childhood friendships, anticipation, and the magic moments that arise while you’re waiting for something else to happen. Every year a young boy stays in the same cabin at the beach with his family. And every year his friend Chicken Smith stays in the next cabin over. But this year, something’s different: Chicken Smith hasn’t shown up yet. The boy’s little sister, MaryAnn, keeps trying to get his attention, but he’s too busy remembering all of his adventures with Chicken Smith — and thinking about everything they’re going to do this summer. Is Chicken ever going to show up? And just what has MaryAnn been yelling about? David Mackintosh’s ode to small summer wonders will make readers of all ages open their eyes to the quick, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments happening all around them.