If you've ever found yourself caught in a storm of political correctness or wondered why patience is a virtue that seems lost on our society, then 'Waiting,' a picture book by Kevin Henkes, might just be the eye-opener you need. This award-winning book, published in 2015, tells the story of five toys waiting on a windowsill, each with their own aspirations and dreams—like the rest of us chumps in the rat race. These characters, including an owl, a pig, a bear, a puppy, and a rabbit, are waiting for different things—rain, snow, wind, or the arrival of a friend. It’s an innocuous enough premise, designed with children in mind. But peel back even the thinnest layers, and you've got more to consider.
The Essence of Waiting: Imagine this—your entire existence revolves around waiting for something to happen. In today's hustle culture, standing still is practically an act of rebellion. We live in a world where acting fast is rewarded and waiting feels almost archaic, yet this book taps into a fundamental truth we often ignore. Patience is a dying art, and 'Waiting' captures its necessity in a tangible way.
Illustration Overload: Henkes' illustrations are simple, expressive, and a stark reminder of when books didn’t need animations to be captivating. It's a breath of fresh air to see artists remain true to the roots of creativity amidst the chaotic influx of digital media. In a society clamoring for high-tech solutions, here's a book daring to keep things simple and effective.
A Conservative Undertone?: One might argue that 'Waiting' holds a certain conservative undertone—patience, traditional values, something that rewards individuals who aren't prone to impulsivity. The toys show that contentment and joy can be found in simple, momentary pleasures. This goes against the grain of demanding perpetual change and instant gratification.
Existential Reflections for Kids: Who knew toys had existential crises? The whole concept of waiting seems like such a mundane, everyday thing, yet it reflects life's complicated realities we all face. This book manages to bring adult philosophies into a child’s world with grace and humor, subtly hinting that the anticipation of life's events can be as rewarding as the events themselves.
Blurred Lines of Friendship: The five main characters aren't merely biding time; they’re digesting the subtle complexities of companionship. You could even say the book carries a quiet rural influence, emphasizing individual roles in a community and the value of what's right in front of you—not unlike how we view our small towns defined by tight-knit communities and shared values.
A Palette of Diversity: Despite advocating for traditional values, this book knows better than to subscribe to a monochrome reality. The toys aren’t just waiting for the same thing. They're each looking for something different, implying a diversity of experiences. It’s a microcosm of co-existing despite differing desires, a lesson more adults could learn from.
Change Is the Endgame: Sad as it may be for some, the routine our little toys expect will be challenged. A new friend comes along who doesn’t stay, introducing change and the ability to adapt accordingly. It champions life's unpredictability without the fearmonger’s calls for constant upheaval. Change will come, but until then, enjoy the sun.
Engaged, Not Consumed: In a reality disconnected by swiping left or right, it's easy to lose sight of what makes connection meaningful. Each toy in 'Waiting' is in a position of calm engagement rather than hasty consumption —an idea that couldn’t be more relevant today.
The Beauty of Quietude: Henkes doesn't shy away from silence. It’s a book about waiting, after all. Silence doesn’t equate to inactivity but becomes an active space for reflection and anticipation.
Pushing Didactic Boundaries: Books for children often avoid complex narratives respecting their young audience's understanding, but 'Waiting' dares to be an exception. Here’s to slowing down, savoring the moments, and understanding there’s character in the wait.
While it may upset some who believe society should be in constant motion, there’s a special kind of magic in waiting. The staying power of patience and reflection is something we can afford to overlook a little less.