Hurry Up and Read These Picture Books About Patience
by Devon A. Corneal
Any parent or teacher can tell you that patience may be a virtue, but it’s in short supply in the under-six crowd. Young kids rarely understand why they can’t have what they want immediately. Everything feels urgent to them. They never want to wait in line and always need their snacks now.
Needless to say, teaching children the value of patience can be a maddening task. But before you despair, you may want to check out these lovely, funny, poignant books that help kids discover that some things are worth the wait. As a very wise bear once said, “Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
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Llama Llama Red Pajama
Available from:Llama Llama, tucked snug in bed, is oh-so-tired of waiting for Mama Llama. Kids will giggle at Llama Llama’s increasing drama in this fun and catchy read-aloud.
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Five Minutes
Available from:From one young boy’s vantage point, it feels like the day is made up of really boring — and really exciting! — five-minute increments. Some of those go by way too fast, and others feel unbearably slow (you can probably guess which is which). This funny book elucidates the relativity of time and ends on a sweet note.
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Little Mole’s Wish
Making friends takes time, but Little Mole is new in town, and he needs a friend now. So he builds a snowball and confides in it. When his new comrade disappears, it will take a loving grandma and a little patience to get it back.
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Stormy
Available from:With gorgeous illustrations, this charming picture book depicts the patience and growing trust between a woman and a stray dog who meet at the park. As an added bonus, wordless picture books are a wonderful way to model slowing down and enjoying the journey.
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Old Rock (is not boring)
Available from:You might think that spending your entire life in one spot would be boring, but for Old Rock, nothing is further from the truth. Old Rock shares stories about its adventures throughout history in this delightful picture book. Young readers will gain a new appreciation for slowing down and enjoying each moment as it happens.
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Luke & the Little Seed
Available from:When Luke the mouse receives a seed for his birthday, he’s disappointed. But when his grandfather helps him plant it, Luke discovers that the best things are worth waiting for. This heartfelt story is perfect for kids who love activities (like gardening) that require a lot of patience.
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Save It!
In Cinders McLeod’s excellent Moneybunny series, which also includes Earn It! and Spend It!, young Honey learns the importance of saving a buck — or in her case, a carrot. Honey is saving up her allowance to indulge in her own private space, and the reward is well-worth the wait.
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Marilyn’s Monster
Available from:Everyone has a monster except Marilyn. So, she waits, and waits, and waits ... until one day she can’t wait anymore.
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Don’t Eat That
Bear is hungry. Gertie wants to help, but she quickly becomes impatient as clueless Bear tries to eat rocks, dirt, and smelly skunks. Can the two work together long enough to find Bear something to eat?
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Saturday Is Swimming Day
Available from:We could all use a bit more patience when it comes to learning a new skill. In Saturday Is Swimming Day, one little girl dreads her weekly swim lessons, but with encouragement, practice, and plenty of patience, she might look forward to Saturdays after all.
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“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth
Available from:Slowly, slowly, slowly, the sloth goes about his business. The other animals ask why he’s so quiet, boring, and lazy, but the sloth knows he just lives a more peaceful life. A restful and soothing story to combat the hustle and bustle of today’s world.
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Waiting for Chicken Smith
Available from:Every summer, the boy of this story goes to the same cabin with his family and spends time with his friend, Chicken Smith. But Chicken Smith is late this year — in fact, he may not show up at all! Sometimes we don’t always get what we’re waiting for, but magic can still happen during those moments of anticipation.
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Klondike, Do Not Eat Those Cupcakes!
Any parent knows that telling a child NOT to do something will make the temptation that much stronger. Such is the case when Klondike’s mom tells him not to eat the delicious-looking cupcakes until his sister’s birthday party. Sadly, he just can’t wait. Faced with his little sister’s disappointment and mom’s anger, Klondike tries to make things right.
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Ma! There’s Nothing to Do Here!
Available from:This book is an insider’s guide to life in the womb, which if you ask baby, is pretty boring. A fun read for expectant moms and soon-be-be big brothers and sisters eagerly awaiting a new addition to the family.
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Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2021.