Books About Waiting

The Best Waiting Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about waiting? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Waiting

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Waiting

By Kevin Henkes

A group of animals wait for various things to happen, and their lives are enriched by the experiences they have while waiting.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor (2016)Caldecott Honor (2016)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2016)

32 pages· 273 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 6,499 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: On a child's windowsill, five toy friends—an owl, a puppy, a bear, a rabbit, and a pig—wait for their dreams to come true. Each has a unique wish: the moon, rain, wind, snow, or simply the joy of waiting. As they sit, the question looms: will patience bring the wonders they seek, or will they find unexpected adventures? This heartfelt tale explores the essence of waiting, friendship, and the magic of imagination, inviting young readers to ponder what surprises life might hold.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 2–4 · 2015

Wish

By Matthew Cordell · Book #1 in the Wish series

A person waits for someone to arrive, but they never come, until one day they finally do.

48 pages· 185 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 955 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: An elephant couple begins their journey together, initially unconcerned with starting a family. As their longing for a child intensifies, they encounter unforeseen obstacles and heartache. Will their dream of parenthood ever come true? This touching tale explores the trials and triumphs of becoming a parent, capturing the essence of hope and joy.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2002

Farfallina & Marcel

By Holly Keller

A caterpillar and a gosling face changes that test their friendship.

Charlotte Zolotow Award (2003)

32 pages· 730 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 331 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Farfallina the caterpillar and Marcel the gosling are inseparable friends. But when life takes an unexpected turn, their bond is tested. Can their friendship survive the changes that lie ahead? Discover a heartwarming tale of enduring connection.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

At the Mountain's Base

By Traci Sorell, Weshoyot Alvitre (Illustrator)

A family awaits a pilot's return, bound by song and tradition.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2020)

26 pages· 111 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,081 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a cabin beneath an old hickory tree, a Cherokee family weaves, cooks, and sings, their hearts tethered to the sky. As they await their loved one's return from war, their song becomes a lifeline, echoing the courage of women pilots who defy the odds. Will their strength and unity be enough to bring their pilot home safely? This tale honors the legacy of Native American service members, celebrating the roots that ground us and the dreams that help us soar.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Penny and Her Sled

By Kevin Henkes · Penny series

A young girl waits for snow to fall so she can use her new sled.

56 pages· 1,134 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 359 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Penny, a curious mouse, eagerly awaits snow to use her new sled. But as days pass without a flake, she discovers the magic of imagination. Her sled transforms into a bridge, a bed, and a magic carpet, taking her on adventures with her doll, Rose. Through patience and creativity, Penny learns that sometimes the best adventures happen when you least expect them. Will the snow ever come, or will Penny find joy in unexpected places?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

Almost Time

By Gary D. Schmidt, Elizabeth Stickney, G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)

A boy learns patience as he waits for sugaring time and a loose tooth to fall out.

32 pages· 353 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 657 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Ethan eagerly awaits the arrival of sugaring time and the day his loose tooth finally falls out. His father gently reminds him that patience is key, as the seasons must change and time must pass. Together, they navigate the anticipation and the joy of reaching their goals. Will Ethan learn to embrace the wait, or will his impatience get the better of him? This tender tale captures the bond between father and son, celebrating the beauty of patience and the excitement of shared milestones.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2010

Llama Llama Holiday Drama

By Anna Dewdney · Llama Llama series

A llama waits for the holidays to arrive.

40 pages· 407 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 6,216 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Llama Llama is caught in the whirlwind of holiday preparations with Mama Llama—shopping, baking, decorating. But the hardest part? Waiting for Christmas to arrive. As anticipation builds, Llama Llama's patience wears thin. Just when he feels he can't wait any longer, a warm cuddle from Mama Llama reveals a heartwarming truth: the best gift is having each other. Will Llama Llama embrace this lesson before the big day? Discover the joy of togetherness in this charming holiday tale.

Sale price

$379

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Please Write Back!

By Jennifer Morris (Author/Illustrator), Jennifer E. Morris

An alligator eagerly awaits a letter from Grandma.

32 pages· 98 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 135 ratings

$3.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Alfie, a young alligator, pens a heartfelt letter to his Grandma and sends it off with hope. As days pass, anticipation builds. Will Grandma reply, or will Alfie learn a new lesson in patience? Dive into Alfie's world and discover the power of communication and the joy of receiving a letter.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

The Odd Egg

By Emily Gravett

Duck's unusual egg holds a surprising secret.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2009)

32 pages· 96 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,523 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Duck finds an unusual egg, much to the amusement of the other birds. As they mock him, Duck remains hopeful. What will emerge when this peculiar egg hatches? Discover the unexpected surprise that awaits!

Picture Book · 1992

Jasper's Beanstalk

A bean is planted. Will it grow into a giant's beanstalk?

32 pages· 99 words

3.9/5 Goodreads · 215 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Jasper plants a bean and eagerly waits for it to sprout into a towering beanstalk. Each day brings anticipation and hope. How long until his dreams of climbing to a world of giants come true? Follow Jasper's journey through the days of the week as he learns patience and the magic of growth.

The Bookroo Book Club