Synopsis: Five animal toys sit on a windowsill, each of them waiting for something to occur. The book follows their life through the seasons and a variety of emotions.
Intended Audience: Beginning readers, K-1
But it might also appeal to: Younger children as a guided reading or read-aloud text as beautiful illustrations tell the majority of the story and invite imaginative thinking.
Strengths: Vivid illustrations of the animals and their window watching, but also their emotions as they watch what happens outside. Very minimal text leaves a lot of room for children to invite their imaginations into the reading. The characters’ interactions with each other and their “visitors” model how important it is to be welcoming and share what you have.
Special considerations: One of the “visitors” to the windowsill, a ceramic elephant, “stayed for a while, then he left and never returned.” This, next to the broken ceramic pieces of the elephant, sadly looked upon by two of the toys, could serve as a helpful segue when talking to children about something as small as a broken toy or as large as a lost loved one. 
Verdict: Waiting would be a great fit for a media center serving students pre-k through first or second grade. Its simplicity and lovely visuals make it a delightful choice for a new reader or an adult reading to children.
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