Waiting Is Not Easy!
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2014. Waiting is not Easy. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children, an imprint of Disney Book Group. ISBN 9781484716304
PLOT SUMMARY
Piggie tells Gerald that she has a surprise for him, but he is going to have to wait for it. Gerald realizes how hard it is to wait when you are really excited about something. He goes through many different emotions before the surprise arrives. When Piggie shows Gerald the star-filled sky he realizes that the wait was worth it.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Mo Willems has a great way of engaging his readers. The words are drawn on the page adding an extra emphasis to their meaning. Gerald's groans get bigger and bigger, knocking over and even hurting Piggie. The repetition and simplicity are true to its easy reader description.
The illustrations are characteristic of Willems. The lines are thick, the backgrounds are white, and most of the emphasis is placed on the characters' expressions. One unique element would have to be the background gradually getting darker until the final surprise is revealed: A beautiful night sky filled with stars. This is created using a dark blue/black background and white dots varying in size.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
Reviewed in Kirkus Reviews: “the spectacular, photo-collaged images of the Milky Way that dwarf the two friends makes it clear that it was indeed worth the wait. A lesson that never grows old, enacted with verve by two favorite friends.”
Reviewed in School Library Journal: “The simple words and expressive illustrations, as always, reveal the fact that we often overlook the obvious and that there is beauty all around us. Nothing brings greater joy than sharing that beauty with our friends.”
CONNECTIONS
*This book can be used to lead discussions about patience and regulating strong emotions. It encourages students to talk about what they are feeling and try to understand why they have to wait in certain situations.
*Other books written and illustrated by Mo Willems can be gathered and shared with students. Discussions about key visual elements that distinguish his illustrations from others can be mentioned. This should include his use of line work, white space, and color.
*Other books about patience:
Henkes, Kevin. Waiting. ISBN 9780062368430
Antony, Steve. I'll wait, Mr. Panda. ISBN 9781338028362
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