Waiting  Picture Book by Kevin Henkes

This waiting picture book is a sweet and simple read which illustrates everyone has times of waiting.  It's what we do with the wait that can change it into magical moments.  

The short length of the book is perfect for preschoolers, but also has lessons for older kids.

A Summary: Waiting

It begins...

There were five of them.

And they were waiting...

The owl with spots was waiting for the moon.

The pig with the umbrella was waiting for the rain.

The bear with the kite was waiting for the wind.

Five friends all waiting for something different, but even in the wait they discover special gifts.  They each watch out the window as they wait.  Sometimes the wait is short and sometimes the wait is long.

While they wait, gifts appear, others visit, and there is always something interesting out the window.  Then there is a surprise as a new friend joins them in their waiting!

Waiting doesn't have to be a waste of time; it can become a time of discovery!

Book Conversations

Before you even open the book, name the friends in the picture and wonder about what each could be waiting for.  Talk about different times of waiting such as when traveling, waiting for a holiday, etc.

Is waiting hard? What are some things we can do while we wait?


Intellectual Development

  • Animal Recognition - Ask little ones to point to the bear, the owl, etc. Also point to the words for each to help them connect the words to the pictures.
  • Counting - Count the number of friends waiting on each page.
  • Comprehension Skills - After reading, how many friends can be remembered along with what they are waiting for? 

Make the Most of the Message
Waiting Picture Book

Emotional Development

Waiting can cause anxiety in children as well as adults.  This waiting picture book can set the stage for discussing how we feel when we wait and give ideas to learn how to occupy our minds in a positive way while waiting.

The friends looked out a window while they waited and used their imagination as well as observed the beauty they saw outside.  Children can do the same as they use outside stimuli or their imagination to occupy their thoughts.

Spiritual Development

  • Look up & read Bible verses about waiting to encourage your child God is with them in the wait.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry." - Psalm 40:1

"The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him."- Lamentations 3:25

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."- Isaiah 40:31

"I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" - Psalm 27:13-14

  • Look out the window and like this last verse says, look upon the goodness of the Lord.  Talk about all the good things God has given. 

Encourage children that when they have to wait, these are two great things to do:   remember God is with them and working even when we can't see and think about all the good things God has given - count your many blessings like the hymn says!

Waiting Picture Book Extensions

Watching in the Wait

The animals liked to watch out the window while they waited.  Have children look out a window and talk about all they see.

Go outside and see if there are clouds in the sky.  Talk about what each looks like just as the animals did in the Waiting picture book.

ABC - in the Wait

Take turns saying "Once I was waiting for..." Think of something that begins with an A, then B, C, etc.  See how many they can remember at the end!

ART - Design a Waiting Picture Book Window

Either draw a window and things you may see through it or use clear contact paper and allow children to stick small items like flowers, colored pieces of paper, etc. to it.  Cover with the other piece, then cut out construction paper to go around the edges to make a waiting window like the Waiting picture book.

Waiting Picture Book
Read Aloud by the Author

Another Waiting Picture Book