"Wait" by Antoinette Portis

Every child who has tried to go from one place to another with an adult has been frustrated by the adult's singular focus on getting to where they're going. And every adult who has tried getting from one place to another with a child has been frustrated with the child's need to stop and examine everything along the way. Which way is best? Antoinette Portis examines this universal struggle in her newest book, "Wait." There are only two words used in this picture book, the adult saying "Hurry!" and the child saying, "wait." As they travel through town, the adult keeps admonishing the child, but he keeps finding beautiful and interesting things, like a fish tank, a cement mixer, and a butterfly. When it starts raining, they really hurry, but their flight is stopped instantly by something wonderful. This is a delightful and lovingly illustrated story for everyone.

--Andrea W., Headquarters