While We Wait, written and illustrated by Bee Johnson, is a gentle celebration of life’s small, often overlooked moments- the “in-between” times. Scheduled for release on October 7, 2025, this charming picture book is recommended for readers aged 4 to 8 years old.

The story beautifully reminds us that while accomplishments and checked-off to-do lists are memorable, there is joy to be found in the pauses along the way. It honestly depicts the challenges of waiting, including moments when children become frustrated or upset, making the narrative relatable and authentic.

With simple, rhyming phrases and stunning illustrations that carry the story forward, While We Wait is an easy and engaging read. I particularly loved the scenes of friendship blossoming in unexpected places, like making a new friend in line at the post office or a chance encounter with an old friend. These small moments add depth and warmth, illustrating how everyday experiences can enrich our days.

I rated this book 4.5 out of 5 stars (rounded up) and would recommend it to families and educators looking for a thoughtful story about patience, connection, and appreciating life’s quieter moments.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of this children's book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful book. The pictures are wonderful and so is the text!

This was an adorably illustrated and wonderfully written. I loved that it was written in rhyme and thought it showed great detail to the "little" things in everyday life.

An adorable rhyming picture book that examines the beauty of the little moments. The "waiting" can be the best part of some days, and with lovely illustrations, this story is a perfect reminder that "while we wait" we can do so much!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This book’s flow would make a wonderful story to read in class. The illustrations perfectly captured the world that is being described; there were also tons of minor details to make the world feel more genuine such as a note from dad on the fridge, a dinosaur under the rug, and broken crayons on the counter.

I felt like this book did well at portraying the balance of running errands and parenting alone. The book portrayed how the girls kept life interesting during simple tasks like going to the post office.

I appreciated the part where it noted in the diner that while they waited, they fell apart. It makes it more realistic that you can have big feels such as mad or sad, and the day still be good afterwards.

This book was so sweet. I absolutely adored the illustrations and the amount of detail included—stunning! As for the message, it was heartfelt and, quite honestly, much needed in today’s day and age. Most parents (I’m guilty of this too) tend to hand our kids a screen to keep them entertained while we’re busy, instead of practicing patience and embracing the beauty and joy of living in the moment.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley. A picture book about waiting, being patient, and all the things you can do during that time. Lovely illustrations and rhyming text make it an excellent read for elementary kids.

While We Wait is a sweet little story about finding joy in everyday moments. We all have times in every day that are mundane, and yet, that is when we can find joy. This book is a beautiful reminder to do that. I would definitely purchase this book.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

Most of the young people I see shopping with a parent are being entertained by a screen instead of interacting with their adult or using their imagination in any way. So I loved this and want this world for them all. Thanks NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC.

Anyone who fondly remembers those seemingly endless errand days with a parent will immediately be transported back to childhood with the whimsical, nostalgic vibes of While We Wait. Two charming young girls spend the day with their mother, going from the farmer's market and post office to the antique shop and local diner. But in the midst of the busy day, they find there's a lot of little things to do and see.

This is an adorable book with equally adorable and vivid illustrations. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good book! The main thing that I liked about this book was the poetic writing style. The author made use of rhymes and shortened sentences so that this story didn't read so much like a "story", but more like a poem or a song. This style choice also gave the book a nice and comfortable tempo/flow. Additionally, I give a lot of credit to the author for including the rhymes on every page and allowing them to make sense without feeling clunky.
As for the actual meaning of this book, I'm a little bit confused. Is this a book that is about being in the moment? Is it about being patient? Is this book supposed to teach kids to "fill the time", for lack of a better term? I think that making it clear what this book aims to teach or show the reader is essential, and would really help this book come full-circle.
Lastly, I absolutely admired the illustrator's attention to detail, which is apparent throughout this entire book. The illustrations also conveyed the playful and curious moods of the main characters effortlessly, so bravo for that!

It’s hard to wait these days, especially without a screen. While We Wait by Bee Johnson uses beautifully detailed illustrations to show how two sisters wait together as their mom runs errands. The girls make friends, pet dogs, try on hats, and listen to music as they tag along on a series of stops. The poetry and flow of the writing is engaging and light. I truly loved the vivid colors and detail of the house, farmer’s market, and diner.

I read this with my 8-year-old son and we loved pointing out the little details together – a broken crayon, a dinosaur magnet, watermelon for sale, and packages on the floor. I will gladly read this one again and again. In a world where instant gratification is available 24/7, While We Wait has a great message: engage with each other, with the outside world, with imagination, with patience, and have fun!

Thanks to the tagged publisher for the gifted ARC!

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From the author of What Can a Mess Make, this is another slice-of-life book in verse. This one was of particular interest because the little girl in the book reminded me so much of my own kid. Can't wait for this to come out and share with her.

ebook c/o NetGalley

This was a fun slice of life story about kids who are waiting for their moms to finish running errands. Without toys or screens to entertain themselves, they find fun in the everyday surroundings of where they are. I love the imagination and observations. It definitely reminded me of my childhood. I recommend this book for schools and libraries.

I have two littles and their dad has a schedule that is very inconsistent, which made me I appreciate this book so much! (And made me a little teary) I think it perfectly showed how much goes on in one day and that you might have to wait awhile for dad to come home. AND you can still have fun while you wait.

The illustrations in this book were beautiful and so well done! The detail is top notch. I love them so much.

This will be a book we pick up as soon as it comes out and will read very often!

Thank you NetGalley, Bee Johnson and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an early copy of this book! We loved it.