Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started for free
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Waiting summary
Brief summary
Waiting by Kevin Henkes is a charming children's book that follows a group of toys as they wait for various things. It teaches patience and the beauty of anticipation.
Topics
Table of Contents
Waiting
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Essence of Patience
In Waiting, Kevin Henkes invites us into a world of innocent anticipation and patient waiting. Through the perspectives of five endearing toys – an owl, a bear, a puppy, a rabbit, and a pig – Henkes captures the essence of patience. Each toy is waiting for something different, be it the moon, the wind, the snow, or something else, and they wait with unwavering hope.
Henkes uses simple yet evocative language to convey the emotions of his characters. The toys' faces are drawn with minimalistic expressions, yet their feelings are palpable. The owl's longing for the moon, the bear's anticipation of the wind, and the rabbit's dreamy gaze out the window, all speak volumes about their individual desires and the art of waiting.
Understanding the Concept of Time
As the seasons change and time passes, the toys' patience is tested. The owl waits for the moon, the bear for the wind, the puppy for the snow, and the rabbit simply waits, each enduring their own unique passage of time. The concept of waiting and the perception of time are beautifully intertwined in the narrative, making it relatable to readers of all ages.
Henkes also introduces the element of surprise in the story. The toys' wait is rewarded with unexpected, delightful occurrences – the moon, the wind, and the snow. This element of surprise not only keeps the narrative engaging but also reinforces the idea that patience is often rewarded in unexpected ways.
Embracing the Joy of Waiting
As the story unfolds, the toys' individual waiting experiences begin to merge into a collective one. They start to enjoy the waiting process itself, finding joy in each other's company and in the simple act of anticipation. This shift in perspective is a beautiful lesson in embracing the present moment, even when what we are waiting for seems far away.
Henkes concludes Waiting with a heartwarming twist, revealing that the rabbit has been waiting for something special too – the toys themselves! This surprise underscores the value of companionship and shared experiences, adding another layer of depth to the story.
Final Thoughts on the Art of Patience
In sum, Waiting is a gentle, insightful exploration of patience and the passage of time. Through the endearing characters of the owl, bear, puppy, rabbit, and pig, Kevin Henkes delivers a poignant message about the joy of anticipation, the beauty of unexpected surprises, and the value of companionship.
The story encourages us to embrace the act of waiting, to find contentment in the present, and to remain hopeful for the future. It's a timeless tale that resonates with readers of all ages, reminding us that sometimes, the most meaningful moments occur while we are simply waiting.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Waiting about?
Waiting by Kevin Henkes is a charming children's book that follows a group of toys as they patiently wait on a windowsill. Each character has its own unique anticipation, whether it's waiting for a birthday, a snowfall, or something else entirely. Through simple yet expressive illustrations, the book conveys the universal experience of waiting and the joy that comes when the wait is finally over.
Waiting Review
Waiting (2015) by Kevin Henkes is a charming children's book that captivates readers with its simplicity and profound message. Here's why this book is a gem:
- Through delightful illustrations and minimal text, it conveys a touching story of patience and friendship that resonates with both children and adults.
- The book explores themes of anticipation and mindfulness, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty of waiting and the value of being present in the moment.
- With its subtle wisdom and emotional depth, it manages to avoid monotony, leaving a lasting impression on readers of all ages.
Who should read Waiting?
Children and parents looking for a relatable and charming story about the concept of waiting
Educators and librarians seeking a book to help children understand and cope with the idea of patience
Those who appreciate beautifully illustrated and emotionally resonant picture books
Categories with Waiting
Book summaries like Waiting
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.8 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
43 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Waiting FAQs
What is the main message of Waiting?
The main message of Waiting is about patience and finding joy in life's simple moments.
How long does it take to read Waiting?
The estimated reading time for Waiting is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Waiting a good book? Is it worth reading?
Waiting is worth reading for its heartwarming tale and beautiful illustrations that capture the essence of waiting.
Who is the author of Waiting?
Kevin Henkes is the author of Waiting.
What to read after Waiting?
If you're wondering what to read next after Waiting, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- Incognito by David Eagleman
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks