Henkes, Kevin. Waiting. Kevin Henkes, Illus. Pic. Bk. Greenwillow, 09/2015. [32]pp. $17.99. 978-0-06-236843-0. OUTSTANDING. GRADES PRE-2.
Five toys wait on a windowsill: a pig with an umbrella, a spotted owl, a puppy on a sled, a bear, and a rabbit. All of the trinkets wait for something to happen outside of the window, for instance rain or snow. Eventually, they all get what they long for, excepting the rabbit that sits atop his accordion body; “he just liked to look out the window and wait.” Illustrations are drawn in black ink with soft watercolor hues coloring the drawings. Though understated, the feelings of the toys are subtly expressed with small facial changes. Overall, Henkes’ seemingly simple book has a meditative quality on waiting which will appeal to children.
Yesica Hurd, San Francisco PL