Wait

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

In this almost wordless picture book, a busy mom with curious toddler-in-tow is navigating the busy streets of the city while trying to catch the train. The little one persistently reminds her to stop in her busy schedule to enjoy the moment. The visual perspective switches from the larger city to the specific detail of the moment in each two page spread with the text alternating between "hurry" attributed to the mom and "Wait" to the child. Along the way the child is resisting the feeling of hurry as he stops to admire a dog, wave at a cement mixer crew, feed the ducks, explore the ice cream truck display, view the fish in a tank, and taste the rain that has started falling. At the end of this rush to the train, mom relents when the two see a double rainbow above the city. Parent readers will be gently admonished to take time to look around. The illustrations are matte colors that allow the scene to unfold effortlessly and doesn't jaunt the senses which supports the idea of slowing down to enjoy the moment. Useful for inspiring young story tellers to elaborate on feelings, setting and comprehension of the story line.

Overall Book Score: excellent