When You Have to Wait
About
A mindful, gentle picture book about patience and learning to find beauty in the act of waiting.
Sometimes, you have to wait. For the line at the public pool on a hot summer day. For mom to come home after being away. For your legs to grow just a bit longer to ride a new big kid bike. The seconds drag on...each one feels like forever. Why can’t you have it now?
But while you wait, you might notice things: a possible new friend who is also in line, why homecoming hugs are extra special, and how beautiful the world is when you’re not racing by. Sometimes, when you have to wait, you find the good in the moments between now and later.
2025 Kansas NEA Award Nominee
Praise for this book
★“A relatable and beautifully rendered tale about the value of patience.”
★"Conklin and Hong compassionately limn experiences of childhood longing in an emotionally honest picture book about one of life’s truths: Sometimes, you have to wait.”
"This peaceful picture book is a kind reminder that it is okay to slow down and find beautiful ways to pass the time as you wait."